AUGUST 2019 D O W N T O W N

RE-URBANIZATION E A S T STRATEGY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Dear Residents and Stakeholders:

As Mayor of Washington, DC, I am pleased to In addition to thanking the residents who present our Downtown East Re-Urbanization contributed to this plan, I would like to Strategy. Located on the iconic doorstep acknowledge the DC Office of Planning for of Union Station and the crossroads of our leading the effort along with several District Downtown, Mount Vernon Triangle, and NoMA agencies, including the District Department neighborhoods, Downtown East represents a of Transportation, the District Department of bustling gateway to our city’s geographic heart. Parks and Recreation, the District Department of General Services, and the District Department of Over the past few decades, much of our center city Energy and the Environment. This core team of area has witnessed a resurgence of investment partner agencies has, over the past several years, and opportunity, while Downtown East has engaged with residents, partners in the federal largely lagged. Now, however, the area is poised government, and community stakeholders to to bloom, with renewed interest, a growing establish this future for Downtown East. Moving population, large-scale development (complete forward, this Strategy will require a range of or under construction), and transformative public implementers across many sectors. The District space projects—like the New Jersey/New York government, the Mt. Vernon Triangle Community Avenue Streetscape project—which attempts to Improvement District (CID), the NoMA Business heal physical barriers and is expected to provide Improvement District (BID), the Downtown BID, safe pedestrian connections and a vibrant place property owners, developers, civic associations, for all our residents and visitors to enjoy. institutions such as Georgetown University, and community stakeholders each have an important As we continue to make strides toward improving role to play. We must actively work together, and reactivating our city’s most prominent taking a holistic approach to partnership. As a areas, we must be proactive and intentional priority, the District of Columbia will align our in our investment towards equitable, inclusive resources to implement the plan by identifying and welcoming public places alongside private programs and resources to achieve both short- developments as they emerge. This Strategy and long-term goals. for Downtown East builds upon that vision and celebrates the area’s rich social infrastructure We look forward to seeing this exciting vision for and cultural history. Ultimately, through this Downtown East become a reality! Strategy, we have a sound roadmap to reestablish Downtown East as a livable, vibrant community Sincerely, that offers greater connectivity, safety and accessibility; more job opportunities; housing options covering the spectrum of affordability; and a network of great urban places designed for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors both near and far.

iii TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT IS A RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY? EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 This document outlines an urban design vision for a livable Downtown East neighborhood and provides specific planning recommendations on how best to bring it to fruition. It also seeks to guide public and private investment EXISTING CONDITIONS: strategies for the area to best shape a cohesive community for the residents, workers, and visitors who inhabit the area. Overview ...... 7 A Re-Urbanization Strategy is intended to be a high-level Population ...... 11 strategic planning effort and is specifically reserved for an area such as Downtown East where substantial gaps exist Urban Realm ...... 16 in the physical urban fabric. Through targeted stakeholder outreach and in-depth data analysis, this strategy document seeks to shape incoming investment to infill or repair these gaps in infrastructure and development to better serve the surrounding communities. VISION:

WHO IS THIS DOCUMENT INTENDED FOR? Making Physical Connections ...... 26 • Residents, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and Enhancing Neighborhood Vitality ...... 32 other community groups within Downtown East • Business Improvement Districts: the Downtown BID, Mt. Shaping Places for People ...... 42 Vernon Triangle CID, & NoMA BID • Federal government agencies in the area: General Services Administration, Architect of the Capitol, National Capital IMPLEMENTATION BLUEPRINT ...... 52 Planning Commission, National Parks Service • Other major institutional and private sector stakeholders

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY STITCHING TOGETHER A VIBRANT AND LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOOD WHY DOWNTOWN EAST & WHY NOW?

• Over the past two decades, much of Washington, DC’s Downtown East is currently undergoing rapid And yet, as renewed investment returns to the Based on discussions held with area stakeholders, urban core has witnessed a resurgence, reinventing transition after a long period of slower activity. It area, the building blocks for a strong and vibrant three common themes emerged as the most itself as a place of opportunity in the 21st Century. is an area that once stood as the commercial and neighborhood already exist within Downtown East: important goals to strive towards: The Downtown East neighborhood, however, did institutional center of Washington, DC largely due to not experience the same pace of reinvestment... until its close proximity to the US Capitol and seat of federal now. The area is poised to bloom again with renewed government, but lost much of this status as the city’s • a diverse and engaged residential population interest and investment pushing opportunity for business core innovated and drifted to the west. In the that is growing rapidly growht and change in the near-term. In response, past two decades, nearby neighborhoods – NoMA, the District can invest resources in improved social Mount Vernon Triangle, Gallery Place, Penn Quarter • a concentration of influential stakeholders with and public places alongside private developments to – have all experienced an economic resurgence that a demonstrated interest in better communities better shape a livable neighborhood. has not been similarly felt in the Downtown East area. (as showcased by the several Business Improvement Districts) • Major development projects include Capitol Crossing That is, until recently. (2.2 million square feet), and Burnham Place at Union • a strong office market and access to Station (1.2 million square feet) alongside shifting Major investments and large scale developments professional and service jobs federal and local government properties. have broken ground, altering the existing physical character of the area. Capitol Crossing, currently • a large number of residential units to be under construction, will bring 2.2 million square feet delivered within the next five years of office and retail development in air rights above THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES the Center Leg Freeway (I-395). The expansion of • proximity to prominent institutions like the Union Station, set to triple the capacity of the transit US Capitol, Georgetown Law School, and the • The construction of the I-395 freeway severed much hub, and Burnham Place, a 1.6 million square foot federal courts at Judiciary Square of the street grid, cutting off the most efficient routes development built over top the existing railroad between Union Station and Downtown. There is infrastructure, will invite a greater density of workers, • a vital, national transportation hub at Union limited traffic and transit connectivity to and through residents, and visitors to the area. The shifting nature Station and transit connections throughout the Downtown East. of the federal workforce has inspired the Government city and region Services Administration, the primary land-owning arm Neighborhoods that promote and enhance their public • The existing 9-to-5 office market dominates, with of the US government, to consider their long-term • the emerging destination retail scene at spaces – the streets and roads, the public gathering relatively few options for neighborhood-serving retail, options and holdings in the area, potentially opening Walmart and proposed at Capitol Crossing spaces and parks, the building frontages that define especially in the evenings and on weekends. The entire up redevelopment opportunities at a number of sites. them – thrive. Businesses benefit from the expansion area lacks a sense of place. of sidewalk cafés or the display of merchandise on a With so many large-scale projects anticipated in the And the thread that stitches these values together street that further activates a setting, letting others • As more residents are anticipated to move into coming decade, the existing identity and character and links a shared foundation is the public space. know a space is an attractive destination. Residents EXECUTIVE Downtown East, there is a dearth of public parks and of the area will shift as well, making public-private benefit from having greater options of retail spaces community gathering spaces. Many existing public coordination all the more crucial to address issues of The public space is a canvas on which the neighborhood to peruse, from ready access to high quality parks or spaces are little more than grassy strips and lack any equity and livability for members of the community. can paint its image itself, a message communicated to tree-lined sidewalks. Visitors read the tapestry of the enhanced uses or programming. The question before us in this document is: how do we the outside world from within the community. architecture of the surrounding built environment best capture the neighborhood’s untapped potential, and understand that this is a place that is welcoming SUMMARY and ensure its transition will best serve the existing and vibrant. and future population?

3 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1ST ST NW ST 1ST NORTH CAP I TOL ST 4TH ST NW ST 4TH

NEW JERSEY AVE NW VISION GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WASHINGTON, D.C.

1A. Restore missing street segments 1B. Prioritize pedestrian crossings L ST NW NEW YORK AVE NW 1C. Reconnecting large sites I 1 – A FULLY CONNECTED DOWNTOWN: - 395 SURSUM Restore street grid between Union Station and Downtown 2A. Enhance Metro entrances plazas CORDA 2B. Soften freeway on ramps 2 – ACCESSIBLE TO REST OF THE CITY AND REGION: 2C. Future streetcar extension K ST NW NORTHWEST Improve access to all modes of transportation to and through Downtown East 2D. Robust cycling network ONE HOUSING MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW SITE 3 – EXPANDED ROLE AS A REGIONAL GATEWAY: 3A. Access to Union Station from all sides 3B. Streamline transfers between modes of transit CONNECTIONS Emphasize Union Station and its connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods 3C. Enhance Louisiana Avenue as pedestrian route to Mall I ST NW GOVERNMENT MAKING PHYSICAL PHYSICAL MAKING 3D. Support rail investment PUBLISHING VISION GOALS — OFFICE DOWNTOWN EAST IS A PLACE: H ST NW CONNECTED AND ACCESSIBLE... 4A. Evolve with the needs of the federal workforce UNION • where pedestrians can cross seamlessly 4 – A PREEMINENT CENTER FOR JOBS: 4B. Build capacity for private sector growth STATION between neighborhoods and into downtown Anticipate shifting needs of office & emerging markets to bolster job growth 4C. Foster an emerging knowledge hub G ST NW NW ST 3RD • that is interlinked with the broader city 4D. Allow the hospitality and retail sectors to blossom • that celebrates its role as a gateway into the 5 – HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING: city from the surrounding region Prioritize human-centered and inclusive design in new affordable housing 5A. Multi-family buildings to connect to community F ST NW 5B. Sustainable and well-being housing solutions 5C. Co-locate supportive services & community retail

VIBRANT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL... VITALITY – 6 A LIVABLE, URBAN COMMUNITY: 5D. Housing around civic and community functions

ENHANCING ENHANCING E ST NW • where redevelopment sites enhance the Guide new development to create livable community-serving urban spaces CAPITOL quality of place CROSSING NEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD 6A. New development to be community-serving • where buildings and their ground floors GEORGETOWN contribute to an interesting and lively urban D ST NW street life LAW SCHOOL • where existing and emerging markets have an environment that enables them to grow JUDICIARY LOUISIANA AVE NW SQUARE and thrive 7 – A CENTRAL COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE: 7A. Iconic open space C ST NW 7B. Prioritize pedestrians Design a public space to serve as heart of a growing residential neighborhood PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW GREEN AND ACTIVE... 8A. Revitalize large parks LABOR • with ample, interconnected parks and gath- 8 – A NETWORK OF PUBLIC PARKS AND OPEN SPACES: 8B. Link a network of parks DEPARTMENT CONSTITUTION AVE ering spaces integrated into the community Support a range of new and renovated public spaces for a variety of users 8C. Transform Judiciary Square plazas

• where the streets are attractive, lush, com- PEOPLE 8D. Create parks out of parking lots near Union Station fortable, walkable, and safe 9 – A COMMUNITY-DEFINING PUBLIC REALM: • that encourages residents, workers, and Activate a safe and attractive public realm through placemaking 9A. Visual guide for placemaking U.S. CAPITOL 9B. Foster placemaking partnerships visitors to linger and enjoy themselves NATIONAL MALL

PLACES FOR SHAPING

4 5 EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW Downtown East lies at the heart of some of the most Second, bland or staid architecture with little or no Many key stakeholders already have a foothold in vibrant and loved neighborhoods in Washington, DC ground floor retail serve to dehumanize the public Downtown East and bring their unique skills and and represents a great opportunity for the city and realm and discourage streetlife. And third, despite the experiences to improving the space on a daily basis. its residents to shape a livable community. These growing residential population in the area, Downtown The area hosts three Business Improvement Districts, surrounding neighborhoods – Downtown, Mount East lacks community identifiers or gathering spaces a clear indicator that that area business owners, Vernon Triangle, and NoMA – have all witnessed such as parks. residents, and other stakeholders saw a strong value increasing residential and commercial development in further shaping and enhancing the character and and market revitalization over the past decade. Yet, These challenges are far from insurmountable, and identity here. in this same span of time, Downtown East has not they disguise the face that Downtown East is already captured the same level of excitement and investment. home to many of ingredients of a great place: Further, the area has already begun to see an uptick As a result, the area is now rife with opportunity. This educational institutions; major public and private in reinvestment. A distinctly urban Walmart opened is the time to shape a neighborhood that is loved by employment anchors; close proximity to transit in 2013 and as a result doubled the square footage of the people who inhabit it. options and cultural/civic spaces including libraries, retail. Capitol Crossing, currently under construction, churches, recreational facilities and homeless support promises to reconnect F and G Streets NW over the To reach the goal of a livable and lovable services. The area also has a tradition of housing freeway and add up to 2.2 million square feet of neighborhood, however, there are some substantial affordability to preserve. And while these strengths office, retail and hotel space on three newly created challenges that must be overcome. First, the I-395 must be valued and protected, they can also be used city blocks. These and similar ventures offer a glimpse Center Leg Freeway, originally constructed in the to leverage a more complete, vibrant and connected of Downtown East as an emerging neighborhood late 1960s, severs the street grid and presents an community that best serves the residents, workers, that reconnects several disjointed communities into obstruction to much east-west connectivity through visitors, students, and institutions that inhabit this a re-invent and re-invigorated center of urban life in the area, cutting off Union Station from Downtown. crossroads neighborhood. downtown Washington, DC.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

7 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXISTING CONDITIONS STAKEHOLDERS: BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS SELECT MAJOR SITES WITHIN AND NEAR DOWNTOWN EAST

DOWNTOWN DC BID (1996) What is a Business/Community Improvement District? NORTH CAP I TOL ST The oldest BID in DC, the BID spans the traditional 6 downtown center of the city, spanning 138 blocks. It A BID/CID is a nonprofit, public-private partnership in which property and business owners EDUCATION provides capital improvements to the area, helps diversify in a defined area elect to make a collective contribution to the maintenance, development, 1 1. Walker Jones Campus NEW YORK AVE NW the economy, and enhances the Downtown experience and marketing/promotion of that area. Though typically found in commercial districts, they 2. Gonzaga College HS 13 for users in the area. can include residential and institutional areas as well. Every BIDs/CID is driven by community 3. Georgetown University support and require legislative authorization in order to be established. The goals that are Law School 48 MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE CID (2004) typically focused on are: MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW 2 As the Triangle is a growing mixed use community, it is PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS 4 represented by the only Community Improvement District 4. Walmart / 77H 7 in DC directly including residents into the decision making • Clean and Safe Streets • Advocacy with Decision-makers 5. Capitol Crossing 9 process. As such, it focuses on assets that provide benefits • Streetscape Improvements • Community Building and Events 6. Sursum Corda for its residents, including clean and safe streets, local • Ongoing Maintenance of Public Realm • Homeless Services 7. Burnham Place retail, and advocating for new parks. • Economic Development • Branding and Marketing 8. DC Bar 5 11 • Business Well-Being • Wayfinding 3 NEW JERSEY AVE NW NOMA BID (2007) • Planning and Transit Enhancements • Placemaking GOVERNMENT E STREET NW I - The NoMA BID provides beautification, community 9. Government Publishing 395 outreach, economic development and urban planning Office (GPO) 10 services and hosts over 50 free events each year. In 10. Federal City Shelter partnership with the NoMA Parks Foundation, it advocates 11. Union Station 12 for and has built new parks and public art in recent years. 12. Labor Department 13. Northwest One site PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW NOMA CONSTITUTION AVE BID MT. ARCHITECT OF THE VERNON CAPITOL GROUNDS TRIANGLE CID HOUSES of WORSHIP & SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

DOWNTOWN BID

CAPITOL HILL BID NATIONAL MALL

8 9 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXISTING CONDITIONS MARKET CONDITIONS ANALYSIS AND SWOT POPULATION OFFICE: Trophy Class • Class A/B/C • Government Sector • Private Sector • Non-Profit COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES Shifting Demographics Closer to Downtown The most predominant land use in Downtown East, • Proximity to US Capitol strong driver for office • Transformative potential from large opportunity this market makes up 7 million sf and is set to expand and hospitality uses sites including expansion of Union Station and Downtown East hosts many diverse communities, households and the number of children living in the trend in Downtown East. The years between 2000- 44% to 10.1 million by 2025, potentially accounting • Development pressure from adjacent areas government-owned parcels to solidify a livable, each one shifting in makeup and layout over time. area have decreased significantly since 2000, as has 2010 represented a net loss of housing units in the for another 17,500 daily workers. Vast majority of • Large, stable daytime population mixed use neighborhood This area has changed rapidly in the past several the average age of residents. In that same time span, area, many within the Northwest One neighborhood existing office space is Class A. • Momentum from recent development activity • Potential for planned residential development to decades, largely responding to pressures from an median income and educational attainment rates that are slated to be rebuilt with many more added • Existing retail amenity base support more retail opportunities expanding downtown commercial district in adjacent have increased. The result, fewer families and a larger in alongside. As these new units come online, many Forecast: expected to remain strong, even with • Affordable housing preservation and creation areas. In the closing years of the 20th Century, the influx of young, childless professionals more closely will be 2- and 3-bedroom affordable units, providing potential weakening of market elsewhere in the demographic makeup of Downtown East closely matches demographic shifts observed downtown. opportunities for families to move to the area. District due to proximity to US Capitol and federal COMPETITIVE WEAKNESSES POTENTIAL THREAT resembled that of the rest of the city. However, courts. • Limited walkability and connectivity, an • High concentration of employment in since 2000, the neighborhood has shifted to align While these demographic shifts are significant, it is Who Are the User Groups? unappealing public realm government sector more closely to downtown. Specifically, the size of important to note they may not reflect the long-term • Lack of a diverse retail amenities • Rapidly changing office market fundamentals The population of Downtown East can largely be HOTEL: Luxury Hotels • Boutique Hotels • • Lack of sense of place and neighborhood identity that may impact less competitive office broken up into four specific sets of users: residents, Business Travelers • Tourists properties/sites within and around the study area workers, visitors, and students. To some degree, Five hotels with 1,732 rooms, supply has remained • Competition from adjacent neighborhoods these distinctions are flexible, as an individual can constant for more than three decades despite the 17% simultaneously fit into multiple categories or shift growth found across the rest of downtown. Routinely roles depending on the time of day (e.g. an office high occupancy rates have led to several new hotel RETAIL : Restaurants/Bars • Sandwich Shops • worker who takes evening classes). But in large part, proposals, including one 125-bed hotel in the works. National Retailers • Local Retailers these user groups behave in distinct ways and use the In 2013, Walmart more than doubled the amount of urban realm of Downtown East differently, something Forecast: near-term rapid hotel growth will likely retail to 142,000 sf and represented the first major we will more fully explore in the next several pages. taper off in long-term, but occupancy rates expected shift towards destination retail. Remaining retailers In the past 15 years, the residential population has to remain high primarily food based and cater to 9-to-5 workers, nearly doubled, while the population of workers has closing up around 3pm on weekdays. The exception only seen a small uptick. No new hotels have opened are the bars/restaurants near hotels that rely on in a decade though tourism numbers for people RESIDENTIAL: Single Family • Multi-family • visitors to the area. arriving at Union Station have increased, so it is Assisted Living Facilities • Dormitories assumed tourism numbers in the area have kept pace. Primarily made up of multi-family apartments Forecast: continued rapid expansion and ground shift buildings, the vast majority with more than 50 units as Capitol Crossing adds another 75,000 sf, with and located north of Massachusetts Avenue. Three- another 50,000 in the pipeline spread across other ESTIMATED DAILY POPULATION (2018) quarters of all housing in the area is renter-occupied, projects. Considerable opportunity for local services and two-thirds built since 2000. Roughly a quarter of such as salons, gyms, and restaurants that aren’t all housing units are below-market rentals (compared susceptible to online competition. 5,078 Residents with 13% across rest of the District). 26,204 Workers Forecast: housing demand to remain strong in area Primary Use per Block: and high absorption rate expected to continue. 1,624 Hotel Guests However, expect near-term boom (2,000 new units Office Retail Other expected by 2025) followed by a brief lag based on 2,000 Students incoming supply and projected project starts. Hotel Housing

10 11 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXISTING CONDITIONS A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

RESIDENTS: WORKERS: VISITORS: Families • Seniors • Long-time Residents Federal/Local Government • Non-profit Tourists • Business Travelers • Civic Visitors Incoming Residents • Homeless Persons Professional & Technical • Service Sector Houses of Worship • Shoppers/Diners

With a growth rate of more than 88%, Downtown East The daily workforce is more than five times the size Visitors constitute a significant and difficult to as seen its residential population bloom from just of the residential population in Downtown East, measure element of the daily population. A majority over 2,500 in 2000 to more than 5,000 by 2018, far primarily made up of office workers but also made up of those who stay in the area are business travelers, outpacing the rate in Downtown (51%) and the rest of of retailers and service workers. many of whom arrive at Union Station on their way Washington DC (16.5%) over the same time. to the Capitol, courts, or offices in the area. Tourists, Nearly half of the total workforce is employed in the shoppers and diners add a much-needed layer of Over 10% of residents live in group quarters (seniors in public sector, compared with only a third of workers activity at all hours of the day, an important source assisted living centers, student dormitories, homeless across the rest of the city, largely due to the high of streetlife in an area composed primarily of office shelters, etc) - in contrast to the 6% across DC. concentration of federal government buildings in the buildings. The several houses of worship routinely vicinity. More than half of private sector workers are host large congregations on the weekends, many of Families and households with children make up a in lobbying and legal firms or in non-profit advocacy whom arrive from outside the area. smaller portion of the total than they did two decades organizations, linked directly to jobs in the federal ago, largely due to an influx of younger singles. government who choose to be located close to Mapping Daily Routes: However, the percent of families and households with Judiciary Square and the US Capitol. Mapping Daily Routes: Residents Hotels and Tourists children are expected to tick up in the next several years as much of the Northwest One housing plan and many other residential projects are completed. STUDENTS: Georgetown Law • Gonzaga High School Walker Jones Campus • Satellite Campuses

Students make up a small but significant portion of the population, spread across several different campuses at high school and university levels. Georgetown Law and Gonzaga College High School sit within the area, but the Walker Jones public school, GU’s School of Continuing Education, and University of DC-Community College (UDC-CC) are within the immediate vicinity. Several other universities also occupy office space near the Capitol and several satellite offices for nationally recognized higher learning institutions as well. The integration of these campuses into the larger community and the needs of their students will greatly impact the area in the foreseeable future.

Mapping Daily Routes: Workers School and Campus Locations 12 13 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXISTING CONDITIONS A SNAPSHOT OF PEDESTRIAN STREET LIFE WEEKDAY WEEKEND CONCEPTUAL RENDERINGS OF WEEKDAY PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC

In the morning, office workers make In the early afternoon there is a lull in Over the weekend most offices are A small trickle of students remain up the largest group of people on the the number of workers which picks up closed, and so there is no daily influx from late morning to early evening as streets of Downtown East as they travel during the p.m. rush as office workers of office workers like during the week. students travel to the law campus, a to work. Residents, many of whom leave the area. Students taper off in The streets are noticeably less packed result of the demanding schedule law work in other parts of the city, visitors the later afternoon as high school throughout the day and are primarily school entails. Residents remain a large (primarily those arriving for judicial students head home, being replaced populated with residents a majority of portion of those on the street into the services and work-related travel), and by university and law school students the weekend. As the day progresses, evening, alongside visitors and workers students on their way to class make up arriving for evening classes. A steady the residents on the streets are joined traveling to nearby restaurants or a smaller portion of those on the street. stream of retail workers and tourists by retail workers and visitors as shops, passengers arriving to Union Station. As the day progresses, more visitors continue to walk the streets into the museums, and other places of interest Similarly to weekdays, there is a small (an increasing number of whom are late evening, most of whom trickle off open in the later morning hours. On but consistent group of nighttime tourists) flock to the area or pass by midnight. Smaller portions of night Sundays in particular, a large influx of workers traveling to and from work in through. workers such as janitorial staff are on visitors arrive to attend services at one the early morning. the streets, traveling home in the early of the many churches in the area. morning. MORNING MIDDAY LEGEND Low pedestrian traffic in a commercial corridor, populated Higher pedestrian counts and a mix of workers, students and visitors, 12pm POPULATION BY TIME OF DAY Residents: Workers: primarily by office workers on their morning commute. though office workers still dominate the scene during their lunch break. 10am 2pm Students: Visitors: Lunch 12pm

10am 2pm

Afternoon Lull 4pm Church Services 8am 4pm Morning Rush 8am Brunch

School Day Ends PM Rush

6am 6pm 6am 6pm

Dinner Dinner WEEKDAY Early Risers WEEKEND

AFTERNOON EVENING 4am More pedestrians navigate the area as residents return from work The remaining workers are primarily involved in retail or other services 4am A Night Out A Night Out 8pm 8pm and mingle with visitors as they shop or dine, and office workers and few office workers remain long after the typical work day. The area commute home. Few students remain. is predominately visitors with some residents enjoying the scene.

2am 2am 10pm 12am 12am 10pm 14 15 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXISTING CONDITIONS URBAN REALM DEFINING THE URBAN REALM

1870s – 1900s 1910s – 1940s 1950s – 1980s 1990s – TODAY The urban realm is the space that is experienced by and accessible Actors:

to the public within a city. It is Topography Municipal Permanent Land Collective a democratic space and may be Terrain Decision Government occupied by any member of or (Council) Urban Layout Downtown Blocks Making visitor to a neighborhood. It can be Government

a destination in its own right, such Agencies Public Realm Streetscape, Curb Line, as a public park, but is also the Parks BIDs, space that forms the connections Architecture, Facades, Built Form Neighborhood between all other points of interest Entrances Associations in a city. Streets, sidewalks, plazas, Program Sidewalk Cafés, Recreation, Gardens, and even the facades of buildings Art/Murals Property Owners

that line city streets are all part of a Temporary Individual Trends/Fashion Food Trucks, Wayfinding, Pop-up Retail Residents system that forms the urban realm. Preferences

STREETS BUILDINGS PARKS & PLAZAS The street right of way in Downtown East, Though most buildings are privately-owned, they Parks, plazas, and other open spaces breathe life originating from the historic L’Enfant Plan and create thresholds at the border of the public realm into the city, and can take on many forms, from A FINE GRAIN URBAN CORE LARGE SCALE CIVIC RISE OF THE AUTOMOBILE A RESURGENT DOWNTOWN updated for modern needs, consists of these and directly shape the experience or contribute to the truly public to privately-owned public spaces: IN THE AGE OF RAIL INVESTMENTS AND THE NEED FOR PARKING distinct parts: activation of the urban realm. After decades of decline, the • Passive recreation spaces such as those Downtown East was still comprised Though automobile use is increasing Post-WWII, automobile use has now population begins rising in DC. • The cart path or roadway: the primary vehicle • Show windows, awnings, retail signage and considered the typical park, a grassy space with of tight, narrow blocks when the in this time frame, Union Station outpaced rail travel as the primary Between 2010 and today, the path between the street curb lines. other building projections define how streets ornamental plantings, shade trees, benches, or railroads were first introduced to remains one of the primary means means into the city, and many population is growing by nearly are experienced and can welcome or hinder even a fountain. Can be predominantly planted the area. Buildings were typically of travel into the city. Several major residents leave the urban center for 1,000 residents a month. Downtown • The sidewalk: the primary pedestrian path, certain activities in the urban realm. or hardscape. small in scale and a mix of uses from sites are cleared out to make way for the suburbs, beginning a decades- witnesses a resurgence as retail, consists of a curbside zone for street trees and a block to block were the predominant consolidated federal offices due to long population decline. Change is entertainment, hospitality, and limited 6 to 10 foot wide concrete sidewalk. • Sidewalk cafés enable restaurants and shops • Programmed open spaces such as athletic pattern. The grand avenues of ongoing expansion government in rapid as small-scale buildings give residential uses return to the city to spill out into the public sidewalk activating fields, tracks, courts or cultivation spaces such Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and the run up to WWII. These massive way to large-scale offices with sizable center. The MCI Center (now Capital • The public parking: legally part of the city’s adjacent spaces. as gardens, or spaces for reflection such as New Jersey remained prominent. The new buildings drastically change the areas converted to parking lots. One Arena) and Gallery Place are built. parks system, this is the area between the edge monuments and memorials. neighborhood of ‘Swampoodle’ had scale of the street at the GAO, GPO, Construction of the freeway breaks As better transit options proliferate, of the sidewalk and the property line of a lot. • Open spaces at the building facade are often recently been cleared away to make Senate offices, and several courthouse up the prevalent street grid to appeal most parking lots are converted to Regulations allow for some private use of this treated as public spaces. Examples include the way for Daniel Burnham’s design for buildings. to the growing number of automobile new development as demand and space, but require it be landscaped and visually arcades along Union Station and the Post Office Union Station. commuters to downtown. land values soar. Only a handful accessible to the public. Museum. of vacant or unused sites remain.

16 17 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXISTING CONDITIONS URBAN REALM: STREETS Observations Street Hierarchy

1. On average, connectivity is high for 4. Auto-centric and expansive intersection Massachusetts & New York Grounds. A greater proportion of a canyon-like feel on longer vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, primarily due to design emphasizes vehicle movement over Avenues are grand, tree-lined space is dedicated to pedestrian blocks. Pedestrians are buffered

the downtown setting and street grid. Redundancy pedestrian access. This has the effect of increasing NEW YORK AVE boulevards that span several walkways and ample public green from vehicle traffic by a parking in route options spreads out traffic volumes well, the average speed of traffic and limits the sense of L STREET NE miles across the city, serving spaces. These streets have an lane at the curb, though street though not without some major challenges. safety for pedestrians. as important thoroughfares. untapped potential to be defining trees boxes tend to be small and K STREET NE Massachusetts Avenue bisects greenways within the Downtown narrow. Though speed limits are

2. Gaps in infrastructure in key areas limit 5. Access to transit is generally high, but is ST CAPITOL NORTH Downtown East into its northern East area, particularly New Jersey low, traffic tends to move fast. connectivity and create bottlenecks and slow predominantly concentrated on the periphery of and southern portions. It links Avenue as it creates a direct link MASSACHUSETTS AVE NWNEW JERSEY AVE I STREET NE travel for all modes east-west through the area. the study area. Specifically, users seeking access Union Station to Mount Vernon between the Capitol and the Shaw Non-continuous East/West These gaps fall into three general categories: to Metrorail must travel to either Judiciary Square Square and several other green neighborhood to the north. Streets are otherwise typical or Union Station, both roughly in line with F Street. H STREET NW spaces including Thomas, Scott roadways in Downtown East that • Interruptions Caused by Interstate: Bus transit is more readily available in the heart of and Dupont Circles, and eventually K & North Capitol Streets do not form a continuous path The open-cut design of the interstate caused Downtown East, particularly on the avenues. The G STREET NW up to Observatory Circle. To serve as major vehicle connections across the neighborhood for the removal of certain road segments, such as ability to easily transfer from bus to rail at Union further its identity as an iconic through the city, but were not pedestrians. Many are interrupted F and G Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets Station is complicated by the relative distance F STREET NW boulevard, Massachusetts Ave designed to the same ceremonial at the I-395 interstate though NW. between bus stops and the heart of the station. was designed to support a double standard of boulevards like others are broken at large, block- E STREET NW row of large trees for much of its Pennsylvania. North Capitol wide developments such as the • Interruptions Caused by Development: Some path, though unfortunately this Street does have a grand view of Georgetown Law School campus. large-scale developments were constructed D STREET NW pattern breaks down as it crosses the Capitol, but lacks the space These broken paths limit the across or over top former public rights-of- into Downtown East. Over some for sizable trees and abundant number of streets that link the way. At some locations, the roadway has blocks, the second row of trees sidewalks. K Street connects the east and west sides of the area, C STREET NW LOUISIANA AVE been completely removed. For locations have been paved over, while on Mount Vernon Triangle and NoMA break up a redundant street grid, such as the Labor Department, the building PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW other blocks trees line the median. neighborhoods and creates a create transportation bottlenecks, was constructed in part as a bridge over 3rd CONSTITUTION AVE linear park through each. In the and generally add to congestion Street. Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Triangle, this ‘Main Street’ is lined between Union Station and the Constitution, & New Jersey with many shops, restaurants, and greater downtown area. However, • Temporary Interruptions: Avenues are boulevards similar in lobby entrances. Enlarged tree some of these broken streets will Jersey barriers were placed across several size and stature to Massachusetts boxes set within the middle of the be reconnected; as part of the streets to block the roadway, or for security Avenue, but are differentiated by sidewalk provide for landscaped Capitol Crossing project, new reasons. Though each street that crosses through Downtown the important ceremonial roles spaces and protected cafe areas. bridges atop the freeway will East provides for an individual experience, a hierarchy they play in the public sphere. serve to connect F and G Streets 3. Uncomfortable pedestrian paths run for across several predominant types emerges. Some These avenues contribute to a D, E, & H Streets between 2nd and 3rd Streets stretches on several roads and dot a number of streets serve broader, cross-city routes (such as grander purpose in the federal best resemble the typical feel of NW; L Street between 1st Street other paths. Roads may be too wide and too busy Massachusetts Avenue), while others link the centers city by framing iconic views of the downtown area. With few NW and North Capitol Street will to cross comfortably; others present rows of loading of important nearby neighborhoods (such as K Street), the Capitol or other important exceptions, buildings are built be rebuilt as part of the separate docks, parking on the sidewalk, or missing sidewalk while others primarily serve as local streets for the civic buildings or pass through to the lot line, which itself is set Sursum Corda and Housing links. Freeway on-ramps and exit ramps often immediate area (such as F and G Streets). the gardens of the Capitol close to the street curb, creating Authority redevelopments. lack signalized controls or crosswalks and present hazardous conditions for pedestrians.

18 19 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXISTING CONDITIONS URBAN REALM: BUILDINGS Observations Prevailing Neighborhood Character Residential Character 1. Impressive and memorable views of iconic buildings have no ground floor retail or other spaces landmarks including the US Capitol, Union Station that provide visual interest to attract streetlife, and This area can largely be characterized by residential and the National Mall frame many views throughout many that do close up outside of typical office buildings, though commercial buildings are scattered the Downtown East area, bracketed by large street hours. Several notable exceptions exist and do craft throughout, particularly near Massachusetts Avenue trees. These views create special moments at key inviting urban spaces for pedestrians, including at the transition. Most properties have spacious front intersections and help define the architectural areas near Mt. Vernon Triangle, along the Walmart and side yards, and streets are lined with large shade K STREET NE significance of the area. frontage of H Street NW, and around the cluster of trees. Roadways tend to be narrower, accommodating hotels and restaurants near Louisiana Avenue. The MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW fewer travel lanes for vehicles, but most have wide 2. Some examples of standout architecture, development of Capitol Crossing is anticipated to parking lanes. Brick masonry is the most common

NORTH CAPITOL ST CAPITOL NORTH both historic and new, such as the City Post Office add considerable ground floor retail and pedestrian building material used with some buildings, though H STREET NW building, National Association of Realtors building, space near the center of the Downtown East area. more contemporary buildings prioritize large windows and the Government Publishing Office can be and paneling. Building articulation in the form of bay found in the area. However, these are broken up 4. Massive buildings that span the entire and oriel windows and balconies tend to rise the full by numerous examples of bland or uninteresting block, particularly at federally-owned sites, create height of the building. infill developments that detract from the general monotonous street walls. While this can promote streetscape and neighborhood character. a grandiosity of design for buildings such as the Capitol or Union Station, it can limit vibrancy and Monumental Grounds 3. A lack of accessible or interesting ground vitality in the busy and dense downtown setting. floors dominate many areas, particularly in When coupled with a lack of interesting ground floor Commercial Office Character Containing portions of the National Mall, the US government or private office buildings. Many large uses, this can strip an area of meaningful streetlife. Capitol Grounds, and Union Station, this area is Predominantly made up of large scale commercial primarily characterized by the large scale and LOUISIANA AVE office buildings, many of which are owned and monumental architecture. The grand boulevards of occupied by federal agencies, this area caters to Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues have mature PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW the area’s office workforce. Most streets have street trees that provide ample shade and comfortable wide expanses of hardscape, though many more walks for pedestrians. Buildings tend to be surrounded contemporary buildings make room for large street on all sides with planted spaces, formal gardens, or tree boxes or garden space at the ground level. Most fountains, and the wide expanse of Senate Park is buildings have few entry points that are concentrated well maintained and intricately landscaped. There Many elements in public space define the character around office lobbies, with the occasional ground are multiple spaces occupied by memorials or other of a neighborhood, including the layout of the floor food retailer. Buildings occupy the full extent of statuary, especially along Louisiana Avenue between sidewalk (width of the sidewalk and the presence the lot with few or no front or side yards. Where street the Mall and Union Station. Sidewalk areas are of street trees), the existence of ‘public parking’ or a trees exist, their canopies are considerably smaller particularly wide to accommodate crowds of tourists planted space behind the sidewalk, and the design than sites north of Massachusetts Avenue. Buildings during major events. Buildings largely maintain and interaction with the location and facades of incorporate a wider mix of materials, though primarily an iconic and formal design with many classical buildings. Depending on how these parameters consist of glass/metal, concrete, and some masonry architectural elements such as arcades, columns, and are designed, a neighborhood can feel like a paneling. Building articulation is handled primarily at pilasters. In general, the area is open and accessible, comfortable residential neighborhood or a bustling the ground floor in the form of canopies, awnings, though many buildings maintain security perimeters and efficient business district. and show windows. within or adjacent to the sidewalk zone.

20 21 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY EXISTING CONDITIONS URBAN REALM: PARKS & OPEN SPACE Observations Parks and Open Space Typology

1. Highly walkable and comfortable 4. Public gardens and open spaces at the Memorials and Monumental Greens: Urban Plazas: streetscapes abound in the southern portion of Capitol and other sits such as the National Building Sites that feature memorials, statuary, or other Programmed or passive recreational spaces the area and generally resemble the downtown core Museum and Marshall Park help beautify the forms of public art as a central element of the that are predominantly hardscape or paved, but – wide sidewalks, tree lined streets. Streetscapes in neighborhood where they exist. However, these types design, or that are a part of the National Mall provide various pedestrian amenities such as northern residential area have a larger tree canopy of spaces are infrequent enough through the rest of or Capitol Grounds. Spaces can be largely benches, fountains, or public art. These spaces

while maintaining wide sidewalks. the area that they create a more mundane or subdued ST CAPITOL NORTH K STREET NE unprogrammed, such as the National Mall, or can be a central design feature of an area, such atmosphere, limiting opportunity for pedestrian have spaces designed for specific uses such as as at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station, 2. Disjointed streetscapes create gaps between interest. formal garden space, seating areas, or space for or as infill spaces between buildings such as on G adjacent areas, particularly along major avenues. In MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW reflection. Place NE. particular, the streetscape design of Massachusetts 5. Several well kept parks and open spaces Avenue is different across four consecutive blocks nearby: • Senate Park • Columbus Circle toward Union Station. Similarly, Mt. Vernon Triangle • Law Enforcement Memorial • 5th and K Street NW intersection and NoMA areas provide streetscape design • National Mall, Senate Park, Law Enforcement • National Japanese American Memorial • G Place Plaza guidelines for K Street NW, however this streetscape Memorial • Memorial to the Victims of Communism • Daly Building Plaza does not continue between North Capitol and New • Several athletic fields with limited or no public • Holodomor Memorial to Victims of the Jersey Avenue. access Ukrainian Famine-Genocide • Groupings of lesser known memorials: Victims Gardens and Urban Agriculture: 3. Lack of public amenities or access to parks of Communism, Victims of the Holodomir Man- Athletic Fields and Courts: Programmed spaces that may be of public or on some streets provide for uncomfortable or made Ukrainian Famine. Fields and courts provided for use for organized semi-public use that allow for the growing of fruit purposeless walks from block to block. Many buildings • Limited access to large gathering spaces or sports. Specific use is generally determined by and vegetables, flowers, or other vegetation. More have long blank walls, multiple loading bays in a row, programmed space. BIDs have provided some size, with smaller sites dedicated to basketball common in highly residential areas, Downtown tall security fencing, or other detractors to the urban temporary programmed space but usually in LOUISIANA AVE or tennis courts and larger ones for baseball or East offers few examples of urban gardens.

street life. cleared lots awaiting development. PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW football fields. Many are located within school grounds or can be reserved for league-hosted • Walker Jones Farm matches or for pick up games.

• Gonzaga HS athletic field (private) Unprogrammed Grass or Leftover Spaces: • Walker Jones School and Recreation Center Often underutilized or leftover spaces between Parks come in many shapes and sizes. They can athletic field and court buildings, or small triangle parks at the also differ in terms of how they are designed, intersections of major avenues, these sites may be programmed, and used. And no two within the Passive Recreation Parks: maintained as small grassy spaces or be left bare. Downtown East area serve the exact same purpose. Sites that are primarily planted and open to Many are under the jurisdiction of the National Each serves distinct needs and users based on its the public and that provide various pedestrian Park Service, but may be excellent opportunities layout, location, size, and a number of various other amenities such as benches and shade trees; for incorporating new small neighborhood parks factors. Some fall under local jurisdiction while primarily intended for a stroll through. in the future. some are federal. Others are privately held spaces that provide for public access. • Cobb Park • Georgetown Law Center green • Tax Court green • John Marshall Park

22 23 VISION 3RD ST NW ST 3RD NW ST 2ND NE ST 1ST 3RD ST NW ST 3RD NW ST 2ND 1ST ST NW ST 1ST 1ST ST NW ST 1ST 4TH ST NW ST 4TH 4TH ST NW ST 4TH NORTH CAP I TOL ST NORTH CAP I TOL ST

DOWNTOWN EAST IS A PLACE...

CONNECTED AND ACCESSIBLE... L ST NW L ST NW

• where pedestrians can cross seamlessly I I - L ST NE - between neighborhoods and into 395 395 L ST NE NEW YORK AVE NW downtown NEW YORK AVE NW • that is interlinked with the broader city K ST NW K ST NE K ST NW • that celebrates its role as a gateway into the K ST NE MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW city from the surrounding region MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW GONZAGA COLLEGE HS

NEW JERSEY AVE NW VIBRANT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL... • where redevelopment sites enhance the H ST NE H ST NE H ST NW H ST NW quality of place GOVERNMENT • where buildings contribute to an interesting PUBLISHING and lively urban street life CAPITOL OFFICE • that enables existing and emerging markets CROSSING to grow and thrive UNION

STATION NEW JERSEY AVE NW F ST NW F ST NW GREEN AND ACTIVE... JUDICIARY GEORGETOWN SQUARE LAW SCHOOL • with ample, interconnected parks and E ST NW CAMPUS E ST NW gathering spaces integrated into the community • where the streets are attractive, lush, D ST NW D ST NE D ST NW D ST NE comfortable, walkable, and safe • that encourages residents, workers, and visitors to linger and enjoy themselves C ST NW C ST NE C ST NW C ST NE LOUISIANA AVE NW PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW

LOUISIANA AVE NW VISION: CONSTITUTION AVE CONSTITUTION AVE NATIONAL LABOR U.S. MALL DEPARTMENT CAPITOL

THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN EAST TODAY is largely disconnected and filled with undeveloped DOWNTOWN EAST TOMORROW is a vibrant, mixed-use community, or underdeveloped lots but is transitioning into a fuller neighborhood. Union reconnected to the rest of downtown and the city along high quality, active public Station, the U.S. Capitol, and Downtown provide significant locational advantages spaces and serving as a proud gateway to the heart of Washington, DC. New to help spur investment while maintaining the existing cultural core. residential buildings and retail fill in the gaps between office buildings.

DOWNTOWN EAST 25 27

Re-established Re-established Local Connections Regional Regional Hub Transit (2A) Enhance (2A) Enhance Enhanced Citywide Connections (1A) Restore the (1A) Restore PHYSICAL CONNECTION CONNECTION PHYSICAL GOALS: 1 – A Fully Connected Downtown: street grid; (1B) Prioritize (1C) pedestrian access; Evaluate new streets redevelopment at sites the of Rest 2 – Accessible to City and Region: (2B) Integrate entrances; Metro to streetscape; freeway ramps (2C) Support streetcar extension; Trail Met Branch (2D) Connect Gateway: 3 – A Regional to Union (3A) New connections (3B) Streamline transit Station; link transfers; (3C) Improve and between Union Station National Mall; (3D) Support new investment rail VISION: MAKING PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS PHYSICAL MAKING VISION: K STREET K

NORTH CAPITOL ST

ON AVE ITUTION CONST

ANA AVE ANA I S I LOU

NEW JERSEY AVE NW

I-395 FREEWAY

F STREET NW STREET F G STREET NW STREET G NEW YORK AVE NW AVE YORK NEW

MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW DOWNTOWN EAST WILL BE A NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER THAT THAT CENTER NEIGHBORHOOD A BE WILL EAST DOWNTOWN EMBRACES AND COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING THE LINKS DIRECTLY GATEWAY REGIONAL A AS POSITION ITS For decades the Center Leg Freeway (I-395) has (I-395) Freeway Leg Center the decades For downtown greater from the East Downtown bifurcated that connections new By establishing city. of the core cyclists, as pedestrians and for interstate the bridge East Downtown appropriate, where as vehicles well can more easily the with connect to and integrate surrounding neighborhoods. downtown core and Many of the most highly the rest of the city, core from lead into the downtown trafficked roadways that Capitol and North such as Massachusetts Avenue major These East. Downtown pass through Street, to just as ways not emphasized should be avenues East, but also Downtown as places that travel through define the special character of each neighborhood in DC Washington of center geographic as the area the and as a true crossroads of the city. the blend to will serve connectivity Increased of neighborhoods nature walkable accessibility and NoMA and Capitol Triangle, such as Mount Vernon DC. Improved Hill Washington, with downtown jobs, housing, to link people better connections places they desire to go that parks and other retailers, neighborhoods. serve to increase the vibrancy of these

CAL ICAL PHYS INE DEF WE DO HOW IONS? CONNECT Physical connections are about access – about about access are connections Physical drivers, ridersbus cyclists, pedestrians, providing and everyone where from get to the ability else go in an intuitive to they want where to they are physical And while and straightforward manner. pathways must prioritize safe and efficient travel a also play they settings users,for all urban in large role in defining the interest points of connections to and providing character of a place on many levels, work They must along the way. the across jobs their to workforce the connecting shops nearby or services, to residents tourists city, must they out – but the landmarks they seek with and meander for wander, also allow users to the opportunityproviding something discover to or someone new. or through passing just are people Whether business shop, of or place seeking out a restaurant, and intuitive access of East, ease Downtown in wayfindingare key components to connect neighborhoods. By bridging surrounding with area the opening Leg Freeway, the Center over routes new and Union Station, and out of into paths more up area, the through pathways local the reinforcing its of destination as a emerge can East Downtown own.

IONS CONNECT CAL ICAL PHYS NG MAKING DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: MAKING PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS GOAL 1 – A FULLY CONNECTED DOWNTOWN: GOAL 2 – ACCESSIBLE TO THE REST OF THE CITY AND REGION: ESTABLISH A SEAMLESS URBAN STREET GRID BETWEEN UNION STATION AND DOWNTOWN IMPROVE ACCESS TO ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION INTO AND THROUGH DOWNTOWN EAST

As two of the biggest economic drivers for the city, 1B. PRIORITIZE SAFE AND DIRECT As a major center for jobs, retail, culture and to the wide array of jobs and services available. The 2B. BETTER INTEGRATE FREEWAY RAMPS Union Station and the greater downtown area have PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT HIGH-VOLUME entertainment, it is vital that the downtown area existing Metrorail and Metrobus network in Downtown INTO THE CHARACTER OF THE SUR- reduced options for direct travel between the two. INTERSECTIONS Pedestrian Priority Corridor remain well connected to the rest of the city via East is the primary means of linking residents to jobs, ROUNDING STREET INFRASTRUCTURE Much of the historic street grid was removed for the Full Street Restored road and transit infrastructure. Many of the busiest businesses to their customers, and tourists to the I-395 freeway in the 1960s, creating a barrier to east- Access for pedestrians between important retail, thoroughfares in the city pass through or run tangent area attractions. Maximizing the efficiency of existing The existing designs of many of the freeway on and west travel. A restored street grid will make travel into park, and other places of interest will be vital to Pedestrian/Cyclist Path to the edges of Downtown East and should better link mass transit services and ensuring infrastructure is off ramps at I-395 cut off pedestrian access along the downtown area more efficient, reduce pressure the area’s continued development as a walkable Pedestrian Priority Street Crossing the area and city together. adequately maintained or expanded to meet future adjacent roadways. These ramps should be designed on bottlenecked routes, and expand the capacity of and livable neighborhood. Traffic calming measures demand should remain top priorities. As Downtown to better integrate into the streetscape design of the the road network to better serve the rapidly growing such as curb bump outs that lessen the crossing Restored Street Grid and Pedestrian Priority Paths 2A. ENHANCE AREAS AT METRO East is expected to grow rapidly in the coming District streets with tree canopies, sidewalks, cross- population. distance at intersections should be explored to ENTRANCES TO PROMOTE BETTER ACCESS decade, the closest existing Metrorail stations at walks, and other features to prioritize pedestrian increase pedestrian safety. Priority locations for this Judiciary Square and Union Station and Metrobus safety. 1A. RESTORE STREET SEGMENTS THAT exploration include: Linking the broader city to the downtown core is key routes that serve the area should expand capacity to BETTER CONNECT DOWNTOWN TO to ensuring that residents from all wards have access handle future needs. 2C. ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE

I - SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS • Cobb Park: 2nd, 3rd, and H Streets and 395 FREEWAY FUTURE STREETCAR EXTENSION L STREET NW

Massachusetts Avenue NW; NORTH CAP I TOL STREET The ongoing construction of Capitol Crossing will see • Walmart and GPO: 1st and G Streets NW; Major Street Future Streetcar Met Branch Trail Freeway On/Exit Ramp The existing H Street/Benning Road streetcar line a full restoration of F and G Streets over the freeway • Union Station: 1st Street and G Place NE; and K STREET NW will be extended west from the H Street Bridge to 1ST STREET NE STREET 1ST between 2nd and 3rd Streets for pedestrians and a • John Marshall Park to National Building Museum: Transportation Connections Through Downtown East Georgetown. As this future line is plotted through MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE NW I STREET NW NORTH CAP I TOL ST

partial restoration for vehicles, significantly enhancing Pennsylvania Avenue, C, D, E, and F Streets NW. NW ST 9TH Downtown East, streetcar stops should be prioritized 7TH ST NW ST 7TH access to retail and offices at the site, as well as cross near existing and future retail and residential buildings access into downtown. The street grid should be H STREET NE to better facilitate the line as a priority transit and 1C. EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF H STREET NW NW 14TH ST CONV. further restored at these points: RESTORING ROADS AT LARGE FEDERAL G PLACE NE CENTER economic development tool. Sites adjacent to the SITES: LABOR DEPT AND GPO proposed line should promote higher levels of • Extend F and G Streets east beyond Capitol G STREET NW NEW YORK AVE NW density, amenities and other services to activate the K ST NW

Crossing through the Georgetown Law Campus Should the Labor Department site be redeveloped, F STREET NW area. NEW JERSEY AVENUE NW MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW 2ND STREET NW as the most direct connections between Union the feasibility of restoring C and 2nd Streets to the 4TH STREET 3RD STREET NW 1ST STREET NW Station and downtown: F Street as a vehicular L’Enfant Plan should be explored. Likewise, the view E STREET NW 2D. CONNECT THE MET BRANCH TRAIL TO

path and G Street as a pedestrian/cyclist path. corridor between the Capitol and Judiciary Square NW H ST NW A ROBUST CITY CYCLING NETWORK • L Street between North Capitol Street and 1st Street along the former Indiana Avenue NW right-of-way D STREET NW NW is proposed to be restored as part of ongoing should be restored. The site’s existing tangle of NEW JERSEY AVE NW Support the progress and development of the UNION development at Sursum Corda and Northwest One. freeway ramps should be better integrated into the STATION Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) network as part of C STREET NW F STREET NW This street should be a true DDOT right-of-way, re-established street grid. 3rd Street NW should be WHITE the Union Station 2nd Century Master Plan. Provide HOUSE complete with sidewalk and a street tree canopy. daylighted and the existing building removed from LOUISIANA AVENUE NW a cycle track on Louisiana Avenue from Columbus • Pedestrian access should be explored at the the right-of-way. Explore reopening the pedestrian PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW Circle to the National Mall to complete the MBT plan, former I Street right-of-way between 2nd and 3rd path underneath the GPO building west of North PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW celebrating this critical and highly visible link. Fill in Streets NW, when the adjacent parking garage Capitol Street. the missing pieces of the city’s bicycle network within site is repurposed or redeveloped. the study area. CONSTITUTION AVE

28 29 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: MAKING PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS

GOAL 3 – EXPANDED ROLE AS A REGIONAL GATEWAY: INTEGRATE UNION STATION WITH THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS 3D. SUPPORT RAIL INVESTMENT UNION STATION: GATEWAY TO THE CAPITAL CITY IDENTIFIED IN DDOT’S STATE RAIL PLAN An historic treasure and functioning transit hub, priority should be given to better integrating First opened in 1908, the neoclassical structure has Though rail ridership has declined across the Union Station continues to be one of the most these services to Union Station itself. Bus lines The District’s State Rail Plan seeks to preserve and served as one of the most important railway hubs country since WWII, Union Station still hosts 20 important regional, multi-modal transportation can be re-routed to adjacent roads and better enhance the District’s rail system with a distinct focus on the East Coast and continues to be a vital, multi- million travelers each year, or 60,000 a day, half of and commercial centers in the nation. And with access should be accommodated to the H Street on the economy, environment, and transportation. modal transportation hub to this day. Architect and which also use the accompanying Metrorail station. ongoing plans to triple passenger capacity and bridge with future development. The rail system vision encompasses the following planner Daniel Burnham designed the station to double train capacity by 2030, it will continue goals: 1) ensure safety and security; 2) increase front toward the US Capitol building several blocks As part of an ongoing master plan process and to be as vital to the District and the nation in 3C. ENHANCE LOUISIANA AVENUE TO operational flexibility; 3) provide added rail capacity; to the south, and its iconic (and massive) 600’ expansion, led by a partnership between Amtrak, the coming decades, connecting to places as far BETTER SERVE AS THE MOST DIRECT 4) grow economic opportunity; and 5) enhance arcade welcomes passengers on Massachusetts the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, away south as Florida and as far north as Maine. ROUTE BETWEEN UNION STATION quality of life. The expansion of Union Station and Avenue. The structure primarily consists of granite and Akridge, passenger rail capacity will triple and AND THE NATIONAL MALL Integrate Level Access from New H Street Bridge development projects around the station should seek but includes accents of marble and gold leaf train service will double in the next few decades. 3A. DESIGN NEW ENTRANCES TO to conform to these goals. throughout. During World War II, the station hosted Station transfers between rail and other types of UNION STATION FOR ACCESSIBILITY With relatively minor adjustments, the current roughly 200,000 passengers a day. transportation will be made more efficient, and FROM ALL DIRECTIONS car-centric design of Louisiana Avenue can be Pedestrian Routes Originating at Union Station over 1.6 million square feet of office, retail, hotel, improved to better highlight the direct access Metro first opened its Red Line station at Union and residential will be constructed on top of the Maximize every opportunity to make pedestrian it provides between Union Station and the Station in 1976, establishing a direct connection into tracks behind the station. Burnham Place, as the connections to Union Station from all sides, National Mall: the heart of the city’s downtown neighborhoods. development is known, will add 14 blocks of newly including from the H Street bridge and the future Then, in 1988, the station reopened as it appears connected space, complete with parks, plazas, and Burnham Place development above the tracks, • Remove the in-street angled parking today with a new Amtrak terminal at the back and roadways between Union Station and K Street to while still preserving the iconic design of the between North Capitol Street and Columbus H STREET NE many restaurants and shops within. the north. CONVENTION CENTER front entrance along Columbus Circle. Several Circle, reduce the dimension of the cart path, Reuse of Elevated Crossings Columbus Circle in front of Union Station opportunities may exist to collaborate with both and expand sidewalks and park space. NOMA public and private owners to insert physical • Support the installation of curb bump outs Access Points to Union Station connections at grade or above 1st Street NE. As a and other pedestrian safety measures at B B H St NE S true gateway to D.C., Union Station should open intersections with North Capitol Street, and B B B B on all sides to the downtown core to enhance New Jersey and Constitution Avenues CAPITOL porosity and its impact on the surrounding • Highlight the route with improved HILL neighborhoods. wayfinding signage and additional sites of Massachusetts Ave NW G St NE

interest such as public art and memorials DOWNTOWN

3B. STREAMLINE TRANSFERS adjacent to the right of way. North Capitol St

1st Street BETWEEN UNION STATION & TRANSIT 2nd St NE B

While the Metrorail entry is integrated with

B C TOL + + CAP I TOL US B o NATIONAL MALL Union Station, passengers who wish to transfer l New Pedestrian Entry u COURT SUPREME m to other forms of transit must exit the station and Points (recommended) b us BC Cir cross a busy road such as Massachusetts Avenue Existing Pedestrian Pedestrian Routes E St NW cle MassachusettsB Ave NE or Columbus Circle. To make transfers between Entry C other forms of mass transit such as Metrobus, Existing Vehicle B,S,C Bus, Streetcar, and Entry Circulator Stops DC Circulator, and DC Streetcar more efficient, D St NW Louisiana Ave NE B

30 31 33 (5A) Opportunity either Sites in currently the pipeline, or proposed, recommended (6A) Promote a (6A) Promote NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY GOALS: for Center 4 – A Preeminent to needs of Jobs: (4A) Respond (4B) workforce; federal evolving Build capacity sector for private (4C)growth; Foster emerging hub; (4D) Allow knowledge to blossom and retail hospitality in 5 – High-Quality Design Housing: Affordable to Multi-family to connect Incorporate (5B) community; and well-being sustainable (5C)design strategies; Co-locate supportive services; (5D) Shape civic or neighborhoods around spaces community Urban 6 – A Livable Community: and community uses mix of sitesinterests at redevelopment VISION: ENHANCING NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCING VISION: ON AVE ITUTION CONST

NORTH CAPITOL ST

ANA AVE ANA I S I LOU

NEW JERSEY AVE NW CLASS DOWNTOWN, SERVING AS AS SERVING CLASSDOWNTOWN,

- NEW YORK AVE NW AVE YORK NEW MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW A PREEMINENT CENTER FOR JOBS, A RISING KNOWLEDGE HUB, AND AND HUB, KNOWLEDGE RISING A JOBS, FOR CENTER PREEMINENT A COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL URBAN EXCELLENT AN DOWNTOWN EAST WILL BE A FIRST A BE WILL EAST DOWNTOWN Despite a lag in the office market across the region over region the across market office the in lag a Despite East has outpaced Downtown the past several years, counties DC and surrounding rest of Washington, the in office demand,This is in foot. square valuations per driving better with below averagemany to the continued demand for due large part vacancies professional offices that benefit from close proximity Union Station. and Square, Judiciary to the US Capitol, one of East will likely remain Downtown In this regard, the more important office markets in the city for the foreseeable future. as the idea of successful downtowns However, primarily office enclaves is outdated9-to-5 typical the outside of missed opportunities and leads to East to rise to the position For Downtown workday. of worthy destination a and downtown first-class a of provide and its economy must diversify it its location, attract community building to for support greater East is on the Downtown of users. range a broader cusp of evolution from a typical office downtown to that thrives with livable crossroads community a truly vibrant streetlife all hours of the day.

GHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD INE DEF WE DO HOW ITY? VITAL Economic development activity in Washington, DC in Washington, activity development Economic years, the Downtown and in recent has exploded In the past has been no exception. East area have new developments major decade, several for ripe and many others are ground, broken radius, CityCenter mile a half consideration. In just is nearing Crossing Capitol DC has been completed, over Place for Burnham concept and the delivery, is taking shape. In addition, several Union Station buildings, particularly scale block-sized other large opportunitymay become agencies, federal as sites evolves. market office the federal government and development shifting these Through markets making Downtown to opportunities,path a is there neighborhood, one urban and vibrant livable a East residents everydaythe area’s the where needs of remain the sidewalks met; where and users are hours evening and the into streetlife with active community services where and the on weekends; sense a true create to meet buildings of character a busy and active than just And moreso place. of must also be neighborhood, vital one that is truly community membersat home, feel in a one where place that they helped shape for themselves.

ITY VITAL GHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD NG ING ENHANC DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: ENHANCING NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY

GOAL 4 – A PREEMINENT CENTER FOR JOBS: Federal Owned or District Owned or Georgetown University Campus Connection Controlled Site Controlled Site ANTICIPATE THE SHIFTING NEEDS OF OFFICE & EMERGING MARKETS TO BOLSTER JOB GROWTH Federal Leased Build- Both District and ing (Portion Leased) Federal Use on Site

Georgetown Government-Owned Buildings and Parcels 4A. PARTNER WITH THE FEDERAL 4B. BUILD CAPACITY FOR PRIVATE SECTOR for this activity. Special resources and focus should be University School GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND TO THE GROWTH IN DOWNTOWN EAST placed on identifying what draws these firms to the of Continuing EVOLVING NEEDS OF THEIR WORKFORCE area and bolster them. Studies With the understanding that much of the private Long term, national trends point to a changing federal sector located within Downtown East is oriented to Georgetown University represents one of the workforce over the coming decades, something that respond directly to the needs of the federal govern- strongest, globally renowned assets for the formation Georgetown is important to consider closely as nearly 30% of the ment (lobbyists, lawyers, non-profit advocacy groups of a Downtown East Knowledge Hub – similar to the University Law School total workforce in Downtown East is federal. Trends make up the lion’s share of this area’s private sector roles of Stanford University in Silicon Valley, or the indicate that more of the workload once considered employment), the District should prioritize working University of North Carolina and Duke University the exclusive realm of the federal government will closely with the BIDs to build capacity for private in the Raleigh-Durham Tech Triangle. The District be offloaded onto a private consultant workforce, sector growth and better position existing industries should partner closely with Georgetown University and that external pressures will continue to push the within the area. Close partnership with existing firms, to co-develop plans to expand the role and impact decentralization of federal agencies out of high-priced thought-leaders, industry organizations, the BIDs, of the law school campus in the nearby market and real estate markets. Adoption of new technologies property owners, and the federal government will be the community and to provide knowledge firms 87% will also allow for flexible and telework options for key to maintaining the existing strength of the busi-

federal workers, decreasing the need to be centrally ness center and advancing its role in the near future. 89% located or in proximity to other agencies. GPO 4C. FOSTER CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT WHAT IS THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY? 5% However, Downtown East presents one of the best OF AN EMERGING KNOWLEDGE HUB 27% 88% scenarios for a neighborhood to buck these trends …an economy based on the use, generation, and with access to a pool of educated and skilled hospitality and retail sectors will need to find 99%

and retain a large federal presence, in large part A higher concentration of knowledge-based firms has exploitation of information (rather than the means knowledge workers. With proximity to Union ways to thrive amidst a changing target audi- 100% due to the close proximity to the US Capitol and the emerged within Downtown East than nearly anywhere of production) to generate growth and value. Station, Georgetown’s Law School can further ence. To help support this growth, the District 89% 100%

continued importance of face-to-face interactions in else in the District. This includes some of the top expand its impact by drawing in students from must create the right conditions to activate 33% the lobbying, legal, and government relations sectors. lobbying firms in the nation, several major law firms, KNOWLEDGE-BASED FIRMS IN AREA: across the Northeast region. street life during the day and evening that Downtown East stands to maintain its edge in federal trade associations, media firms, state governments provide greater volumes of customers to

or federal-related employment in the region as long liaisons, universities, and the government-relations • Lobbying: Van Scoyoc & Associates; Alpine Group 4D. CREATE CONDITIONS THAT these businesses. The city, in partnership with CCNV as the shifting needs of the federal workforce are met. wings of major corporations. With such variety of firms • Legal: Jones Day; McDermott, Will & Emery WILL ALLOW THE HOSPITALITY AND the area BIDs, should continue to prioritize all directly linked through their need for interaction • Government Relations for Major Corporations: RETAIL SECTORS TO BLOSSOM clean and safe streets near places of interest Labor Dept The District should continue to foster and develop with the legislative and judicial branches, it is clear Google; Kimberly-Clark; Goldman Sachs and adjacent neighborhoods. The District its partnership with federal agencies such as GSA, the location, infrastructure, and resources available in • Media: C-SPAN; Univision; Cox; News Corp The hotel market in Downtown East has long should expand specialty streetscapes along 20% AOC, and NCPC to best understand and anticipate Downtown East create an environment where these • Trade Groups & Associations: American Gas been stable and is set to expand with several New Jersey and Massachusetts Avenues and the changing needs of federal property owners and firms feel they can thrive. Strong growth in this sector Association; American Psychological Association new hotels planned for the area, primarily North Capitol Street to connect area hotels the broader workforce. The District should encourage will be vital to building a resilient economy for the • State Governments: Florida, Delaware, New York, serving business travelers. Likewise, the retail with incoming retail developments near Cobb the use of federally owned properties to create active entire District. To properly nurture and grow this Alaska, Massachusetts and others market has been stable but underwhelm- Park and Union Station. As tourists, residents, ground floor uses such as restaurants and retail that emerging market sector, the District and area BIDs • Government Relations for Universities: Princeton, ing, primarily catering to office workers and and workers remain in the area after typical appeal to both the workers inside and the public should forge close relationships between these firms Carnegie Mellon, California State University closing up at 5pm. With the emergence of office hours, retailers and hotels will witness outside. and acknowledge Downtown East as a strategic hub major destination retail at Walmart and more increased activity, reinforcing the notion that proposed at Capitol Crossing, the existing Downtown East is a place worth visiting.

34 35 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: ENHANCING NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY GOAL 5 – HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING: PRIORITIZE HUMAN-CENTERED AND INCLUSIVE DESIGN IN NEW HOUSING

If neighborhoods are the building blocks of healthy 5B. INCORPORATE SUSTAINABLE AND Likewise, many of the existing retailers within 5D. ANCHOR NEIGHBORHOODS AROUND cities, then housing is the linchpin. But too often, the WELL-BEING SOLUTIONS INTO HOUSING Downtown East, including shops, restaurants, cafés, BUILDINGS AND PLACES THAT SERVE A Incorporating Well-Being Solutions into physical aspects of housing are developed separately and markets, closely adhere to the schedules of CIVIC OR COMMUNITY FUNCTION Housing Design from the social and economic aspects, leading to The design of new housing should recognize the the nearby office buildings south of Massachusetts neighborhoods that fall short of their full potential. importance of sustainability and prioritize the health Avenue; for instance, most of the food retailers in Buildings such as schools, libraries, recreation centers, The WELL Community Standard from the WELL When the physical, social, and economic aspects are and well-being of residents. Sustainability can be the area only serve breakfast and lunch and tend and houses of worship help shape a neighborhood’s Building Institute is one such rating system for closely linked, neighborhoods can thrive. Quality achieved through the innovative use of natural to close at 3pm each weekday. While the recent identity and round out community interests. They also determining how the design of a building impacts housing should be beautifully designed, but it must light and ventilation of interior spaces, inclusion of opening of the nearby Walmart has remedied the play a critical role in fostering community cohesion the health and wellness of its inhabitants. Typically, also closely consider social mobility, economic green roofs, use of sustainable materials (such as lack of neighborhood-serving retail to an extent, and engagement. As such, the District should design for well-being includes an exploration of development, and the integration of families of recycled, rapidly renewable, and/or low-maintenance opportunities should be explored for providing closely integrate these civic-serving places into the the following topics: diverse incomes into a community. construction products) at the scale of the building greater access and proximity between retail clusters surrounding neighborhood to be accessible and and across the entire site. and residential areas to better shape a market that inviting. Buildings that serve a civic function should Physical Impacts 5A. CREATE FACADES AT MULTI-FAMILY can directly serve community retail needs. be designed to be adaptable as the needs and desires RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS TO BETTER Likewise, programs such as the WELL Community of the community change season to season. The ample opportunities for daily physical activity, CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY Standard, which provides design guidance on aspects Walker Jones Campus, a combination public school, walkability across a neighborhood, promote of the built environment that have impacts (both recreation center, and library is one such example physical safety through design; availability and Many larger, multi-family residential building appear direct and indirect) on human health and well-being, of a high-quality, community-serving place that affordability of healthy food options. monolithic from the outside, detracting from the can be an important resource for supporting resilient is used to foster an inclusive, diverse and engaged sense of home they should be promoting and and healthful development. The use of such design community. Similarly, the District should work with Psychological Impacts fostering anti-social anonymity. This unfortunate yet standards can better shape individual buildings as the high concentration of existing houses of worship common design reinforces a disconnect between the well as entire neighborhoods by promoting equitable within the Downtown East area to celebrate the rich Balconies provide direct exterior access and light spaces that promote meaningful experiences people inside a building and surrounding community. access to air and water, mitigation against harmful history of these places and their connections to the and foster balanced sensory environments by noise, and strategies for increasing daily physical neighborhood through placemaking initiatives. limiting external noises; also promote access to Housing units on the ground or second floors of new activity and personal mental health, all without mental healthcare and green spaces. multi-family buildings should have direct access to the compromising livability. sidewalk rather than through a shared interior hallway Social Impacts and lobby. These units should make appropriate use 5C. ENCOURAGE CO-LOCATION OF of stoops, porches and step projections currently SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY highlight diversity and quality of interpersonal allowed by city code as a means to physically connect RETAIL WITH HOUSING relationships and spaces that promote culturally residents to the neighborhood around them. For rich and interconnected communities; ample floors above the second, balconies and other forms Low income residents have many of the same needs as facilities that serve community and civic of access to the exterior should be prioritized. All everyone else, however, they tend to lack the means functions. units should be designed to have visual access onto to travel long distances to access necessary services. shared exterior spaces such as courtyards, gardens, As such, many of the supportive services that low- Ecological and patios. For larger residential sites, units should income residents rely on the most, such as daycare be designed to provide direct visual access from at facilities or clinics, should be co-located within low- considerations such as access to daylight, fresh least one room onto a shared courtyard or communal income or affordable housing developments to air, clean water; access to well maintained Example of sidewalk accessible space to foster a sense of community and to promote provide greater stability and access for residents. entrance at multi-family housing natural areas with flora and fauna. safety through increased ‘eyes on the street’. Individual units provide access to sidewalk Walker Jones Education Campus

36 37 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: ENHANCING NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY GOAL 6 – A LIVABLE, URBAN COMMUNITY: GUIDE NEW DEVELOPMENT TO CREATE LIVABLE URBAN PLACES THAT SERVE THE BROADER COMMUNITY

services). The development will also place public plaza 9. Plaza West: Completed in summer 2018, this high 10. Capitol Vista: Similar in design to New York 6A. PROMOTE MIXED USE AND a potential high-density housing site. The District Opportunity Sites within Downtown East amenities along the Massachusetts Avenue entrance, rise apartment building provides over 230 affordable City’s Flatiron Building, this site will deliver over 100 COMMUNITY SERVING DEVELOPMENTS should work closely with Pepco to ensure that as the 1 NORTH CAP I TOL STREET lining up with a possible future park to the north and units, 50 of which are specifically reserved for low- affordable housing units with ground floor retail when AT OPPORTUNITY SITES remainder of the site is developed it further vitalizes weaving south between the glass and steel high rises. income grandparents raising grandchildren without completed. The retail will help bridge a gap between the community. Similar to the Northwest One site, K the parents present. It is the first affordable housing the Walmart a block to the east and the incoming How can we best maximize the community-serving Street represents a key opportunity to link the linear NEW YORK AVENUE NW 7. 2nd and H Streets Parking Deck: A DMPED-owned site in the District to follow the ‘grandfamily model’ Capitol Crossing project a block to the southwest, infrastructure, amenity space, and direct connections park designs of Mt. Vernon Triangle and NoMA site, this represents high potential for redevelopment. of support and includes on site amenities for both and has potential for ample outdoor seating and park L STREET NW to the surrounding neighborhood at sites that through public artwork, plazas, and open spaces. 3 2 Currently a two-level parking deck over top of the the children and older residents. space along New Jersey Avenue, NW. are undergoing major changes? The following list 9 freeway, the lower level of the deck is privately contains both sites that are currently slated for 4. JBG, 801 New Jersey Avenue site: Slated for 400,000 owned with air-rights above the upper deck owned redevelopment and sites that may be conceptually square feet of office in the next few years, this site is K STREET NW by the District. Recent analysis of the deck structure explored for future reuse. also optimal for ground floor retail on H Street near suggests it may be structurally adequate to support 7 the corner with 1st Street NW to create symmetry with multiple floors of new construction above, though 1. Sursum Corda: Currently being reviewed as a Walmart. With the wide public right-of-way on New not to the full height permitted by zoning. Based on Planned Unit Development, the existing Sursum Jersey Avenue and future plans for streetcar service, 4 DDOT plans to shift 2nd Street east, ample building Corda housing area will be rebuilt from just over amenity and open space can be accommodated. MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE NW 10 frontage will be maintained on the east face of any 200 residential units to more than 1100 that mixes new development with room for active or passive 5 market rate and affordable housing. The new site will 5. GPO Parking Lot & Reservation 195: The parcels west H STREET NW park space. High-density residential or mixed use is stitch Pierce Street and 1st Place NW back through of the Government Publishing Office, currently used ideal for the site, though if structural issues remain, the block and reconstruct L Street NW between North for parking, should be explored for potential re-use 6 may be an ideal location for new park or open space. Capitol and 1st Street NW. A new community park will as a development site in partnership with the GPO be created at the southwest corner of the site. and other federal bodies. The large site is between 2 G STREET NW NEW JERSEY AVENUE NW 8. CCNV/Federal City Shelter: The Community for and 2.5 acres and currently zoned for Downtown D-4, Creative Non-Violence (CCNV) operates a shelter Plaza West Residential Project 2. Northwest One: The Deputy Mayor of Planning and allowing it to accommodate up to 600,000 square feet from within the District-owned Federal City Shelter F STREET NW Conceptual Rendering Economic Development (DMPED) is in the process of new construction. The ground floor frontage on H building located at 425 2nd St NW. The building of Capitol Vista Project of redeveloping this site to include several hundred Street NW is ideal for future retail as the corridor is and lot were deeded to the District by the federal new and replacement affordable housing units in the an emerging retail hub. Space internal to the site with government in 1986 to meet homeless service needs. E STREET NW 4TH STREET

context of the broader Northwest One strategy. This access from New Jersey and Massachusetts Avenues 3RD STREET NW CCNV also owns 12 lots at this site, granted to the 1ST STREET NW 2ND STREET NW site is optimal high density residential that integrates would become public space for parks, plazas or future 8 organization by the federal government in 1993.

public park and open space amenities in proximity to memorials linked by tree-lined pedestrian routes, in NW Redevelopment here should prioritize the needs of new apartments, with some ground floor, community- an urban-based design similar to the Navy Memorial individuals experiencing homelessness and align with D STREET NW GPO serving retail frontage towards K Street. This site off Pennsylvania Avenue to the southwest. the Mayor’s goal to make homelessness rare, brief, presents a key opportunity to link special K Street and non-recurring. Per the DC Interagency Council on linear park design between Mt. Vernon Triangle and 6. Capitol Crossing: a 2.1 million square foot Homelessness (ICH) Homeward DC plan, purposeful GPO NoMA between the respective BID areas. development over the freeway to add trophy-class investment in permanent supportive housing will office space, a new hotel, and destination retail on reduce the demand and footprint for emergency 3. Pepco Substation: The proposed Pepco substation ground floors. Site is connecting F and G Streets to 2nd shelter services at this site. Any considerations to footprint will only occupy 60% of the existing site, Street (F as a full street for pedestrians and vehicles, improve, redevelop, or replace the CCNV facility will preserving the remaining portion of the parcel along and G as a primarily pedestrian route with some be done in the context of the larger Homeward DC Conceptual Site Plan for GPO site & Reservation 195 New Jersey and K Street for other uses including as limited vehicle access for hotel valet and emergency strategy. Existing GPO Site

38 39 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: ENHANCING NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY

CAPITOL CROSSING: CONSTRUCTING WHOLE CITY BLOCKS SHIFTING BUILDING USES: CONVERTING OFFICE BUILDINGS TO RESIDENTIAL

A project conceived over decades, Capitol Crossing Other anticipated projects, such as Burnham Place at is currently under construction and is slated to be Union Station, and the potential re-development of The Washington, DC metro area has seen a number of In addition, there may be the opportunity to convert site with residential versus $66 million or $263 per completed in 2021. With over 2.2 million square the US Department of Labor Building to the south, conversions of office properties to multifamily projects in the surplus of existing parking stalls to a profit center rentable square foot for the same site with office), feet of development on three newly-constructed will further intensify the changing market conditions this market cycle. This pattern reflects a softening office by renting these out for public use. Overall hard costs the estimated cost of the conversion more than offsets city blocks, Capitol Crossing is set to bridge the in the area in the coming decades. market, driven primarily by the federal government’s as well can be expected to run marginally lower for a the difference (reducing the hypothetical residential former street grid atop the gap at the Center Leg continued downsizing of its real estate footprint, and conversion project than the new construction costs for site value to $37.9 million). Freeway at F and G Streets NW. Primarily to be The Capitol Crossing development also sets a new a strong market for multifamily units, which reflects an equivalent project, depending on the orientation and composed of office space, the site will also host 150 high bar for sustainable infrastructure planning in the increasing preference for urban amenities and physical design of the existing building. A deep office The financial feasibility of residential conversion is a residential units, a luxury hotel, and over 75,000 sf the United States. The site will include a sub-grade lifestyle opportunities among prospective residents. floor plate can yield inefficiencies in the design of space very site-specific consideration. Some of the cost and of retail, restaurants, and cafés spread across the five co-generation plant that will provide residents and Given that the central downtown area is largely built that limits the amount of space that can be converted revenue drivers that could have a significant impact on buildings. In addition to the new buildings, Capitol building tenants with heating and electricity. Over 90 out and offers a limited number of vacant sites for to apartments, however, reducing the potential value feasibility include: Crossing will also bring additional square footage of percent of stormwater will be harvested at the roof development, these market dynamics are leading of conversion compared to continuation of office use. new public spaces, including plazas and parks, and and street levels for use in landscaping and as potable developers to consider some office properties as prime new streetscapes along F and G Streets. F Street in water. Groundwater reserves can be used in cooling opportunities for multifamily conversion. While many of the recent conversion projects in the A. Construction Cost and Building Efficiency particular, will be designed to include a pedestrian towers on the site within the co-generation plant, region have delivered condominiums, developers Properties that can minimize construction costs and street at the level of the surrounding area sidewalks. limiting the site’s need to tap into the city’s water However, the decision to pursue a conversion project active in the market indicate that rental multifamily maximize the revenue generated by usable floorplate supplies. Further, the site is designed to capture ‘dirty’ over new construction is ultimately determined by the is the more attractive option for central Washington. (e.g. reduction of non-revenue generating common Capitol Crossing is the first of several major projects air from the freeway and parking decks that will be right combination of site specifics and the availability This reflects the relatively prohibitive permitting areas) increase the likelihood. set to reposition the Downtown East area as a filtered using an innovative ‘ecochimneys’ technology of equivalent opportunities in the project area. Sites environment for condominiums compared with rental renewed downtown center of destination retail and before being released, essentially mitigating a source offering attractive views, access to parks and recreational product and the preferences of key demographics B. Feasibility of Condominium Conversion trophy class office space. of heavy pollution immediately underneath it. amenities, and proximity to transit and dining, shopping, for urban infill product, such as millennials, young Based on market conditions, condominium conversion Rendering of Final Design and nightlife opportunities, for example, are likely to professionals, and retirees seeking to downsize. In light adds risk to the project; however, it could be offset by generate much greater value as residential properties of all these considerations, downtown Washington the increased value per square foot. The sale of smaller than office space in today’s market. If a site with such appears well positioned for future conversion projects. units stand the best chance. attributes is also located in an area where there are few or no available sites for new development and an C. Tax Incentives oversupply of office inventory, a conversion project is FEASIBILITY OF OFFICE CONVERSIONS Tax incentives applied to projects could boost the likely to appear attractive to potential developers and financial attractiveness for residential conversion as tax investors. Furthermore, it can often be more efficient At present, promoting office to residential conversions expenses reduce the conversion’s net operating income for developers to obtain approvals for a change of within the Downtown East area is a difficult lift. In (NOI) and its asset value. However, the effectiveness of use rather than for a new building, depending on the order for a property owner to determine that a tax relief is limited and should only be used sparingly height, bulk, and environmental limitations of the site. residential conversion is prudent, the value of the to enhance the viability of conversion. residential property after conversion, minus the cost Conversion projects can also offer a relatively cost- of the conversion, must be greater than the value of D. Transfer of Development Rights efficient opportunity in many cases. With regard to the property before conversion. Based on the Office Where allowed, a credit system to make residential sf parking in particular, older office buildings may include of Planning’s analysis of current and projected office built or converted from other uses in Downtown (D) parking at a ratio significantly higher than what is and residential market conditions, though a residential zones to be transferable to other properties could currently required for multifamily development. The property within the Downtown East area would likely make conversion more favorable, depending on the ability to retain parking facilities presents a significant garner a greater value than a continued office use market and the unique conditions of the receiving Floor Plan of the Five Buildings that Make Up Capitol Crossing cost-savings over new construction. ($105 million, or $420,000 per unit, for a hypothetical property.

40 41 43

(7A) Create Recommended Recommended or New Park Open Space Existing Park or Existing Park Open Space Priority Green/Park Corridors Park or Open Space Under Consideration Places for People Goals: Places for People 7 – A Central Community Gathering Space: neighborhood open an iconic (7B) Prioritize safe space; to it pedestrian access Public of 8 – A Network and Open Spaces: Parks and create (8A) Revitalize parks; (8B) in large variety Link smaller parks along green the corridors; (8C) Re-imagine parks between Judiciary Square (8D) Ave; and Pennsylvania to transform with AOC Work parking lots back into parks 9 – A Community-Defining (9A) Establish Public Realm: resource a visual placemaking guide; (9B) Partner with BIDs to identify and implement interventionsplacemaking VISION: SHAPING PLACES FOR PEOPLE FOR PLACES SHAPING VISION:

K STREET NEK NORTH CAPITOL ST ON AVE ITUTION CONST

NEW JERSEY AVE NW

PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW

MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW NEW YORK AVE NW AVE YORK NEW DOWNTOWN EAST WILL BE A PLACE WHERE USERS HAVE AMPLE AMPLE HAVE USERS WHERE PLACE A BE WILL EAST DOWNTOWN COMFORTABLE, A ACROSS SPACE OPEN & PARKS TO ACCESS REALM PUBLIC ACTIVE AND VIBRANT, At first glance, the Downtown East area appears to spaces oriented public of number large a contain upon closer However, pedestrians. towards collectively inadequate spaces are inspection, these growing rapidly a desires of needs and the meet to Triangle Vernon in the Mount residential population and NoMA neighborhoods. parks, neighborhood-oriented lacks large-scale The area specifically playgrounds, and accessible recreation fields. Many take the form of in the area existing public spaces small, memorials, statues and plaques federal with to memorializing dedicated solemnare in nature, that victims of atrocities committed in the 20th Century – the and WWII during internment such as the Japanese Holodomor genocide in Ukraine. Other existing spaces that appear to not publicly accessible opportunities are recreation offer park or or are courtyards occupied by poorly are others still And building. residential or the adjacent office designed or maintained, giving off an unwelcoming face to would-be users. spaces public the solution to adequate However, The be straightforward. East can Downtown within neighborhood, exists within the footage square and with minor investments to improve the access, of these spaces, programming and maintenance spaces that have existing residents can incoming and are dedicated to their enjoyment.

NE PLACES FOR FOR PLACES INE DEF WE DO HOW PEOPLE? Many downtowns across the country the across Many downtowns do not particularly be to appear They places. inviting seem commuting, and designed for seem better them moving many as through prioritize people to as efficiently as offering possible, few incentives to But linger. must efficiency and the ability to linger be at odds Can a downtown each other? be with stop or to stroll a leisurely take to place a pleasant or friends? with coworkers lunch in a park and have the diverse of By focusingon the needs and desires East – by shaping usersDowntown who inhabit places for people – we can redefine the dynamic, vibrant, is that place as a downtown the idea of and destinations, activities By providing and alive. and clean as experienced are ensuring spaces encourage we interaction, social safe, and inviting This and linger. stop instead to passers-through both to access increasing by reached be can goal placemaking and through and open spaces, parks efforts withindestinations. the streetscape between and in the area, residents number of a growing With Downtown East will have a specific need and to add leisure that provide spaces park ample East evolves, As Downtown activities. recreational to built should be and open spaces new parks new populations. meet the needs of adequately

PEOPLE PLACES FOR FOR PLACES NG NG SHAPI DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: SHAPING PLACES FOR PEOPLE GOAL 7 – A CENTRAL COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE: DESIGN A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE TO SERVE AS THE HEART OF A GROWING NEIGHBORHOOD

7B. PRIORITIZE ACCESS, SAFETY, & COMFORT FOR PEDESTRIANS 7A. CREATE AN ICONIC OPEN SPACE TO SERVE THE GROWING COMMUNITY IUS The success of an urban park or open space, especially AD E R one located next to busy streets will hinge on the IL Parks and open space fulfill important recreational M NORTH CAP I TOL STREET ability to provide safe and intuitive pedestrian access /2 and social functions in a community, allowing 1 to the site. A first priority should be to design safe residents to interact with each another and meet Convention NEW YORK AVENUE NW and accessible pedestrian crossings on all sides of Center NoMA new people. They can also enhance the identity of a Sursum the park accompanied by appropriate traffic-calming Corda surrounding neighborhood by serving as a landmark ADIUS measures. Integrated visual/noise barriers, such as E R (similar to Dupont Circle). Downtown East currently Mt. IL plantings and fencing at the perimeter to create a Vernon M lacks any large-scale parks (half acre or more) that are /4 physical buffer between park users and traffic (similar K STREET NW Triangle 1 Farragut Square publicly accessible or where residents can program in design to those at Dupont Circle) can encapsulate MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE NW RADIU events. And though federal parks such as the National E S the park and make it a pleasant oasis. City L Center I Mall and Senate Park are within close proximity, the M DC 8 tight restrictions on use at these parks make them / Burnham H STREET NW 1 Place OPEN SPACE SITING CRITERIA insufficient as neighborhood amenities. Gallery (future) Place/ Capitol • A location central to prospective users, in Leading U.S. park advocate groups such as the One G STREET NW close proximity to housing or retail Arena Capitol Union National Recreation and Park Association, the NEW JERSEY AVENUE NW Crossing Station Trust for Public Land, and the American Planning • A property that offers a line of sight from Association recommend between 4 and 10 acres 2ND STREET NW the street and with pedestrian access from Penn multiple directions. of public parkland be provided per 1,000 residents. Quarter Judiciary Currently, a half-mile radius around Downtown East Square only provides 1 acre of parkland per 1,000 residents. • On existing parkland that can readily be And with a growing residential population, the need revitalized, or on land that can readily be Dupont Circle for parks will only become more urgent. 3RD STREET NW re-purposed for park usage. Conceptual Rendering of the NoMA Green Archives LOUISIANA AVENUE NW

Ideally, a park or other gathering space would be 7TH STREET NW DESIGN GOALS FOR AN ANCHOR PARK located within walking distance of a large number of residents and occupy a site of approximately an acre • Respond to long-stated community need for • Showcase innovative sustainable design and open air recreation space that can incorporate infrastructure strategies. or more. It should also be designed to serve a variety National Mall such features as landscaping, playgrounds, of area residents, including families with small children Major Destinations in Vicinity of a Central Park artwork, lighting, seating, or other elements • Increase the sense of safety and security in the and older adults. Careful consideration should be that are for public use and enrich the character area and encourage walkable, active gathering given to existing city-owned parkland within the and quality of life of the neighborhood. space. area and other sites within the city’s portfolio that A successful and fully implemented transformation near and far. And just as important, any strategy for can readily be improved as park spaces. The District plan for the neighborhood park should incorporate developing a new park must engage with private • Establish direct and strong visual connection • Provide flexible space that can be readily should also work closely with the area BIDs and other an innovative and bold design, with a specific plan partners or non-profit groups for long-term funding and relationship to the surrounding programmed to respond and adapt to neighborhood and streetscape. community stakeholders to design the park and a for how to program the site in a way that attracts a and maintenance/operational costs of the park to neighborhood needs. Logan Circle long-term maintenance and programming plan. range of park users from different walks of life, from ensure it remains a source of pride for locals.

44 45 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: SHAPING PLACES FOR PEOPLE GOAL 8 – A NETWORK OF PUBLIC PARKS AND OPEN SPACES: SUPPORT A RANGE OF NEW AND RENOVATED PUBLIC OPEN SPACES FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF USERS

One park cannot address the recreational needs of 8B. LINK SATELLITE PARKS TO LARGER 8D. WORK WITH THE ARCHITECT OF THE all users within a neighborhood, no matter how OPEN SPACES ALONG GREEN CORRIDORS CAPITOL (AOC) TO TRANSFORM PARKING well designed or programmed. Most park-goers will TO FORM A COMPLETE PARKS NETWORK LOTS INTO PARKS utilize a collection of parks across a neighborhood. One park may be the ideal place to sit and eat lunch A network of parks can only be as feasible as their Formerly part of the beautifully maintained Senate with friends, but it may be a different park where connections to the neighborhood. A number of small Park on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, the two they go for a run or toss a frisbee; this in turn may be parks and open spaces, often little more than grassy parking lot parcels across from Union Station on different from the best playground site. Because the patches, can be redesigned to breathe new life into Columbus Circle were paved for vehicle parking for New Urban Plaza at GPO Parking Lot people who inhabit an area have robust park needs the neighborhood, but also to fill in the gaps by linking Capitol staff. As Union Station continues to expand that change with time or day or stage of life they are the larger, programmed park spaces. Across major and serve as a key gateway into the District, these lots in, so too must park spaces build upon many different street corridors (such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, present an important first impression of the city and recreational needs. To do so, park programming and and Louisiana Avenues, and K Street and North Capitol can help set the standard for beautiful public spaces. design should be spread across a network of parks Streets) promote expanded tree canopy, comfortable If these parking lots are re-envisioned and returned that provide complementary and redundant uses. sidewalk widths, enlarged planting strips, and ample to Senate Park, they can serve residents and visitors street furniture to create a park-like atmosphere to to the city and beautify the front door of the iconic link disparate parks both physically and thematically Union Station. 8A. REVITALIZE LARGE PARKS TO FILL A in a comprehensive network. Open space connections WIDE ARRAY OF RECREATIONAL USES should link along retail frontages as well, such as National Building ACROSS A PARKS NETWORK Capitol Crossing, and should maximize the potential Museum for beautification efforts, street furniture, and places Many existing parks within the Downtown East area to rest along these ‘green spines’. National Law Enforcement are under-designed and as such are underutilized. Officers Memorial The District should work closely with the Department New Jersey Avenue Greenway of Parks and Recreation, the BIDs and the public to 8C. TRANSFORM THE SERIES OF PLAZAS identify unmet park needs in the area for a wide AND PARKS BETWEEN JUDICIARY SQUARE DC Courts array of uses, including active or passive recreation, & PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE playgrounds, ball courts, sitting areas, memorials, gardens, or murals. Existing park spaces should be Transform the two large, underutilized open spaces Moultrie Courthouse/ improved to act as anchors and work in tandem south of Judiciary Square (John Marshall Park and Daly Building Courtyard with one another. For many of these parks, small the Daly Building plaza) as inspiring examples of

scale interventions, or deliberate programming by places to gather. Ample visitors and workers use the John Marshall Place Park the community can spur new life in these spaces. surrounding buildings on a daily basis and have need Examples of spaces that should be explored for of well-designed and maintained spaces to rest or

potential revitalization include Chinatown Park, Tax eat lunch. Provide spaces for passive recreation with Pennsylvania Avenue Court Park (over the freeway), the plaza adjacent to furniture, art, shade trees, and features that create an National Historic Site

the Daly building, and the plaza on G Place. Explore attractive setting to the day-time workforce. These National Mall & options for long-term maintenance with the area BIDs two parks can serve as the southern anchor for a Smithsonian Museums and the ability to vary programming throughout the Courts Parks Axis that continues from Pennsylvania day as workers leave the area and residents return. Avenue north to the National Building Museum. Courts Axis, Series of Parks and Plazas Improved Plaza at Daly Building Network of Parks and Open Spaces along Green Corridors

46 47 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: SHAPING PLACES FOR PEOPLE GOAL 9 – A COMMUNITY-DEFINING PUBLIC REALM: ACTIVATE A SAFE & ATTRACTIVE PUBLIC REALM THROUGH COMMUNITY-LED PLACEMAKING STRATEGIES FOR A COMMUNITY-BASED PLACEMAKING APPROACH For further information, check out the DC Public Activation & Stewardship Guide found here: https://planning.dc.gov/page/district-columbia-public-space-activation-stewardship-guide 9A. CREATE A VISUAL GUIDE THAT ENCOURAGES INNOVATIVE PLACEMAKING PLACEMAKING GOALS TARGET LOCATIONS DESIRED OUTCOMES Downtown East is a prime location for new and and businesses within Downtown East. This appeal innovative thinking on placemaking, with all the can be further enhanced at selected corridors and basic ingredients that make temporary or permanent sites to increase pedestrian interest and experiences • Activate passive or underutilized sites Public Streets and Parks • Improved perception of safety and interventions successful: ample space on sidewalks in and promote long-term activity in the area. and public spaces • Streets with wide sidewalks or ample security front of underutilized, uninteresting, or inaccessible space for amenities buildings; a rapidly expanding retail scene; established The District should partner with area BIDs to identify • Beautify a neighborhood • Underutilized streets and parks • Improved perception of cleanliness groups such as the BIDs that can advocate, support, or and activate these spaces with food vendors, pop-up • Unprogrammed parks maintain installations; and an existing neighborhood shops, playgrounds, artistic performances, seating, • Further define the existing character • Increased physical activity among identity that is open to further refinement by its old games, murals, and interactive displays on the and identity of a neighborhood users and new users. sidewalk and in front of buildings. Target areas should include the primary paths between Union Station and • Guide the direction of and build Vacant, Underutilized, or One-Off Sites • Increased sense of community With large developments anticipated to alter the the BIDs, areas with emerging retail, places adjacent support for long-term development in • Unused or vacant sites physical makeup of the area, small interventions like to programmable park spaces, and in residential an area • Sites that are perceived as an eyesore, or • More attractive physical environment pop-up retail or temporary monuments in unused areas that can benefit from additional community seen as unsafe and unclean triangle parks can further shape the neighborhood, interaction such as the senior assisted living residential • Provide a means for residents and • Sites occupied only during the daylight • Increased interest or purpose to an provide for cultural or artistic outlets for residents, buildings north of Massachusetts Avenue. Sidewalk Cafe - Mt. Vernon Triangle visitors to influence the physical hours of the work week area and serve to increase a sense of safety and community landscape of their neighborhood • Sites with limited or one-off uses such as for residents and visitors. The District should lead the parking lots • Support provided for nearby way by establishing a reference guide that catalogs • Support and foster growth of existing businesses a wide swathe of different placemaking techniques businesses and summarizes their impact and potential value to a • Increased streetlife and pedestrian neighborhood. A focus on innovative and temporary • Test innovative or new forms of retail Retail Corridors and Storefronts activity, especially on weekends or efforts in Downtown East can better foster a sense of • Streets with active retail frontages that evenings community while showcasing the best practices for • Allow for greater artistic or cultural are seeking greater visibility temporary or recurring placemaking. expression in a neighborhood • Streets or sites where new retail is • Expanded social networks and proposed improved neighborhood resilience • Encourage civic interaction and 9B. PARTNER WITH BUSINESS IMPROVE- participation • Greater diversity within & among users MENT DISTRICTS TO FOSTER BETTER PLACEMAKING OPPORTUNITIES • Improve access, vitality, and function Monument or Memorial Sites • Additional outlets for fostering artistic, for high traffic pedestrian areas • Existing memorial sites with a need historic, cultural or spiritual expression A unique strength of the Downtown East area is for appropriate historical or cultural the existence of several well established BIDs, that activation • Added sense of celebration, fun, or dedicate time and effort into maintaining clean and • Sites with proposed memorials play in public spaces safe spaces. This earnest commitment indicates a strong desire for such services on the part of residents Typical Sidewalk Before Intervention Sidewalk with Placemaking Intervention

48 49 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY VISION: SHAPING PLACES FOR PEOPLE

TYPICAL STREETSCAPE SECTIONS PUBLIC REALM DESIGN PALETTE: iness Tenant Z Bus one • Brighter lighting in gathering areas Amenity Zon SHORT-TERM ACTIVE STREET • Color or decorative lighting ublic e P INTERVENTIONS • Textured or colored paving to Sidewalk differentiate programmed areas ar Zon • Food vendors, cooking demonstrations Cle e • Native plantings • Community potluck • Creative signage • Retail merchandise display Roadway • Incorporate wayfinding into paths, art • Artistic performances, sidewalk theatre • Interactive objects/artwork • Community games: scavenger hunts, bocce Building Building • Painted surfaces COMMERCIAL STREET COMMERCIAL ball, pick up basketball tree zonesidewalk • Demarcate bicycle and walking paths street • Sidewalk cafés, street furniture • Solar/kinetic power generation • Digital projections sidewalktree zone • Accessible street furniture • Flexible space for nearby retail use POWER nt Priority Publ LONG-TERM ACTIVE STREET side ic S GOALS: Re pa GENERATION ce INTERVENTIONS • User-oriented interactions FIXTURES Amenity • Neighborhood branding ublic Zon P e • Playgrounds • Promotion of local businesses SIGNAGE • Art installations, statues, murals Sidewalk Z • Wayfinding ear on • Interactive signage, wayfinding Cl e • Activation PAVING INTERACTIVE • Enclosed sidewalk cafés • Accessibility Roadway OBJECTS • Farmers markets • Play • Street festivals, parades DISPLAYS Building Building RESIDENTIAL STREET RESIDENTIAL tree zonesidewalk FURNITURE street LIGHTING sidewalktree zone Business Tenant Zone: A zone specifically reserved cornices and roof overhangs help delineate public is encouraged in this area with strict requirements for PLANTINGS DEMARCATED on many commercial streets for activities directly space and create articulation along a street frontage. how much of a pedestrian clear sidewalk must be PATHS related to and maintained by the adjacent business, maintained at all times. This is typically a 6’ minimum including enclosed or unenclosed sidewalk cafés for Public Amenity Zone: A space granting greater in residential areas and a 10’ minimum in downtown restaurants, the display of merchandise for shops, or flexibility for activation, this zone shall more closely or in commercial areas. seating areas in front of building lobbies. align with the character and use of the block rather than individual business or residential building Public Road Right of Way: A zone that is primarily Resident Priority Public Space: Similar to the owners. Activation in this zone should be reserved utilitarian in purpose, moving traffic along city streets business tenant zone, this space is specifically for for public art, open seating areas, interactive displays, and keeping the city operating. No long-term public use by the adjacent residential building to maintain artistic performances, demonstrations and the like. activation is permitted, however some short term a publicly-oriented character. Low fencing or hedges, street closures are possible for festivals, farmers’ seating areas, gardens, patios, porches, and the like Clear Sidewalk Zone: Measured from the back of markets and other activities, with ample lead time for are encouraged outdoor activations. Building pro- the street curb, this zone typically includes a 4’ tree box adequate city review and consideration. jections such as bay and oriel windows, balconies, and a 6’ to 10’ sidewalk. Some level of street activation

50 51 IMPLEMENTATION

COORDINATION WITH THE FEDERAL MOVING FORWARD GOVERNMENT

Today, Downtown East finds itself at a crossroads. The Downtown East Re-Urbanization boundary area vision in a number of ways, such as identifying programs Economic resurgence and an expanding housing falls within a portion of the District of Columbia that is and resources to achieve both short and long term market led by population growth all present closely tied to the federal government, and agencies goals. As with all planning initiatives, the DC Office opportunities and challenges to shaping the such as National Capital Planning Commission, the of Planning (OP) will guide and track implementation neighborhood’s vitality and well being. With Architect of the Capitol, National Park Service, and the and work to ensure that District investments align approximately 8.5 million square feet of untapped General Services Administration. The missions of these with the neighborhood’s goals and the values laid out development potential there is considerable work agencies, in part to advocate on behalf of the federal in this strategy plan. OP will reconvene stakeholders moving forward on a path towards a thriving and interest and maintain use of federal properties, will in the future to review completed work and identify vibrant neighborhood. ensure they remain vital stakeholders and partners in additional implementation opportunities. Please see the implementation process. the implementation matrix beginning on page 64. The Downtown East Re-Urbanization Strategy responds to these opportunities and challenges as an actionable road map that builds upon STEWARDSHIP LINKED TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN the neighborhood’s defining characteristics, its rich cultural history, and governmental and The goals prioritized within this report address concerns Many of the recommendations made in this document institutional assets. The Re-Urbanization Strategy raised by stakeholders with recommendations will serve to inform the Second Amendment Cycle is a holistic and unified vision for the future that build upon the work already underway in the of the District’s Comprehensive Plan and will be that identifies opportunity areas to improve the community. This report conveys a narrative of the incorporated into both the citywide and area elements public realm, enhance retail and amenities, create community by unpacking its important social, cultural of the plan. Please follow http://plandc.dc.gov/ to economic opportunity, support sustainability, and historical aspects and building on them to ensure learn more about the Comprehensive Plan process. and further enhance the quality of life for the Downtown East retains relevancy and competitiveness community. in the context of a growing city. This is a reflection of listening to community and stakeholder priorities PLANNING POLICIES combined with the design, spatial, and technical analysis that the Office of Planning can provide, all In addition to the Comprehensive Plan, the District of of which have been distilled into a user-friendly, and Columbia policy frameworks that support and shape easily-understood graphic framework to be used by the Downtown East Re-Urbanization Strategy include all neighborhood stakeholders. the following:

The Downtown East Re-Urbanization Strategy will be • Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: realized by a range of implementers across sectors. District Elements The District of Columbia government, the Mt. Vernon • Move DC Triangle CID, the NoMA BID, the Downtown BID, • Age-Friendly DC property owners, developers, civic associations, • Sustainable DC institutions such as Georgetown University, and • Vision Zero community stakeholders each have an important role • DC Vibrant Retail Streets Toolkit IMPLEMENTATION to play. Each must actively work with the others, taking • Homeward DC Plan a holistic approach to partnership. As a priority, the • District of Columbia Historic District of Columbia will use the recommendations Preservation Law of this report to align its resources to support the • and others

BLUEPRINT 53 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION TIME & RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX

BID and Local Residents & BID and Local Residents & Goals Recommendations Government Businesses Prop. Owners Short-Term Medium- Long- Goals Recommendations Government Businesses Prop. Owners Short Medium Long Restore Street Segments that Better Connect 1A DC $$$ Partner with the Federal Government to Respond to Downtown to Surrounding Neighborhoods 4A DC/US $ A Fully Connected the Evolving Needs of Their Workforce Downtown: Prioritize Safe and Direct Pedestrian Access at High- A Preeminent Center for 1B DC/US X X $ 1 Establish a seamless urban Volume Intersections Jobs: Build Capacity for Private Sector Growth in 4B DC X X $ $$ street grid between Union Anticipate the shifting Downtown East Station and Downtown 4 needs of office and Evaluate the Feasibility of Restoring Streets at Large 1C DC/US $$$ emerging markets to Foster Continued Development of an Emerging Federal Sites: Labor Department and GPO 4C DC X $$ bolster job growth Knowledge Hub

Enhance Areas at Metro Entrances to Support Better DC/ Create Conditions That Will Allow the Hospitality and 2A X $$ 4D DC X $$ Access WMATA Retail Sectors to Blossom Vitality Accessible to Rest of the Better Integrate Freeway Ramps into the Character of Design Facades at Multi-Family Residential Buildings City and Region: 2B DC/US X $$$ 5A DC X $ the Surrounding Street Infrastructure to Better Connect with the Community Improve access to all 2 modes of transportation into and through Encourage and Support the Future Streetcar High-Quality Design in Incorporate Sustainable and Well-Being Solutions into 2C DC $$$ 5B DC X $ $ Downtown East Extension Affordable Housing: Housing Design 5 Prioritize human-centered Connect the Metropolitan Branch Trail to a Robust and inclusive design in 2D DC X $ Encourage Co-Location of Supportive Services and City Cycling Network new housing 5C DC X $ Community Retail with Housing Enhancing Neighborhood

Making Physical Connections Making Physical Design New Entrances to Union Station for 3A DC/US X $$ Anchor Neighborhoods Around Buildings and Places Accessibility from All Directions 5D DC X X $$ That Serve a Civic or Community Function

Streamline Transfers Between Union Station and DC/US/ A Livable, Urban Expanded Role as a 3B X $$ Regional Gateway: Transit WMATA Community: Guide new development Promote Mixed Use and Community Serving 3 Integrate Union Station 6A DC/US X X $ $$ $$$ with the surrounding Enhance Louisiana Avenue to Better Serve as the Most 6 to create livable urban Developments at Opportunity Sites neighborhoods 3C Direct Route Between Union Station and the National DC/US X $$ places that serve the Mall broader community

Support Rail Investment Identified in DDOT’s State Rail 3D DC/US X $$$ Plan

54 55 DOWNTOWN EAST RE-URBANIZATION STRATEGY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS & CREDITS

BID and Local Residents & Goals Recommendations Government Businesses Prop. Owners Short Medium Long DC Office of Planning: Other Community Stakeholders: Design an Iconic Open Space to Serve the 7A DC X X $$ Andrew Trueblood, Director Downtown BID: A Central Community Growing Community Gathering Space: Neil Albert, President Kevin Storm, Associate Director of Urban Design Rich Bradley, former president Design a public open space 7 Gerry Widdicombe to serve as the heart of a Prioritize Access, Safety, and Comfort for Pedestrians Document prepared by: 7B DC X X $$ growing neighborhood to Parks OP URBAN DESIGN DIVISION Mount Vernon Triangle CID: Timothy Maher, Urban Designer Kenyattah Robinson, President Berk Shervin, Board Member With Immense Support From Office of Planning Staff: Claire Schaefer Oleksiak, former president Revitalize Large Parks to Fill a Wide Array of 8A DC X X $$ Recreational Uses Across a Parks Network Sakina Khan, Dep. Dir. Citywide Strategy & Analysis NoMA BID: Andrea Limauro, Senior Neighborhood Planner Robin-Eve Jasper, President Valecia Wilson, Senior Neighborhood Planner Galin Brooks, Dir. Planning and Economic Development A Network of Public Link Satellite Parks to Larger Open Spaces Josh Silver, Lead Planner for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Stacie West, Director of Parks Projects, NoMA Parks Foundation Parks and Open Spaces: 8B Along Green Corridors to Form a Complete Parks DC X X $ $$ Support a range of new Network Georgetown University 8 and renovated public open General Services Administration Agency Partners: Architect of the Capitol spaces for a wide variety Transform the Series of Plazas and Parks Between National Capital Planning Commission of users 8C DC/US X $$$ Judiciary Square & Pennsylvania Avenue Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development National Parks Service DC Department of Transportation U.S. Courts DC Department of Parks and Recreation

Shaping Places for People Shaping Places for Work with the Architect of the Capitol to Transform 8D DC/US $$$ DC Department of General Services With Special Thanks to former staff Existing Parking Lots into Parks DC Department of Energy and the Environment with the Office of Planning: Eric Shaw, former Director Consultant Team: Patricia Zingsheim Tanya Stern A Community-Defining 9A Create a Visual Guide that Encourages Innovative DC $ Beyer Blinder Belle, Lead Consultant Tracy Gabriel Public Realm: Placemaking Atelier Ten Christopher Delfs Activate a safe and BAE Urban Economics 9 attractive public realm EKM Law, PLLC through community-led Gorove/Slade Partner with Business Improvement Districts Jon Stover & Associates placemaking 9B DC X X $ to Foster Better Placemaking Opportunities Reingold LINK

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